Abortion, guns, climate change: Oregon Governor candidates differ on issues

Oregon will elect a new governor on Nov. 8.

The three predominant candidates all are women, and all have made their reputations in the state Legislature.

Republican Christine Drazan was elected to the House in 2018 and was the Republican leader from 2019-21.

Betsy Johnson served in the Oregon House from 2001 to 2005, and in the Senate from 2005 to 2021. She was a Democrat until she resigned last year to launch her governor's bid as an independent.

Democrat Tina Kotek was elected to the Oregon House in 2006, and served as speaker for a record nine years before entering the governor’s race.

But the candidates differ in their positions on issues facing Oregon. Here are some of the key issues and where the three stand:

Read more:Oregon could elect a non-Democrat governor for the first time in 40 years

Homeless crisis

Drazan: Said she would declare a homeless state of emergency, and work to repeal Measure 110, which decriminalized small amounts of illegal drugs and directed more money to addiction recovery services.

Johnson: Made the homeless crisis a centerpiece of her campaign. Johnson says she will end unregulated camping while establishing safe, designated camping areas and more emergency shelters. She also advocated for integrated solutions connecting mental health, drugs, addiction, lawlessness, poverty, housing and jobs. Johnson said she wants to increase the housing supply by eliminating some rules, regulations, fees and taxes on homebuilders.

Kotek: Said she would mobilize new street outreach teams, expand access to state-owned properties for emergency shelters, address fractures in behavioral health and recovery systems, and partner with local governments and people experiencing homelessness to provide sanitation services at temporary camps. Kotek also said she would more broadly address housing issues.

Gun violence

Johnson: Has consistently voted against bills to regulate guns, but said she supports a stronger background check system and supports raising the age to buy certain semi-automatic weapons from 18 to 21.

Kotek: As House speaker, expanded background checks for gun purchases, required guns be stored safely to prevent fatal incidents in the home, and passed a red flag law that prevents individuals from accessing a gun if they are a danger to themselves or others. Kotek said she would work to increase the age to purchase assault rifles from 18 to 21 and collaborate with the Oregon Attorney General and state law enforcement to stop the ghost gun black market.

Drazan: Voted against laws preventing convicted domestic abusers and stalkers from having guns and requiring gun owners to safely store their weapons. Said she does not support more gun control laws, but would increase funding for law enforcement and mental health support.

Abortion

Kotek: Endorsed by Planned Parenthood PAC of Oregon and Pro-Choice Oregon. Said she will unequivocally “stand up and fight” for reproductive freedom.

Drazan: Endorsed by Oregon Right to Life, which opposes all abortions, and said Oregon’s existing abortion protections are “extreme.” Drazan said she would veto any legislation expanding Oregon’s abortion protections.

Johnson: Said she would oppose any efforts to weaken Oregon’s abortion protections.

Fixing state government

Drazan: Said she would fire all agency heads and appoint leadership that shares her commitment to customer service, transparency and accountability.

Johnson: Said she will demand bipartisan support for legislation, budgets and appointments.

Kotek: Said she would encourage innovation, risk-taking and customer service in state government. Kotek said the biggest problem in state government right now is that agencies can’t get grant money out the door fast enough, especially Measure 110 resources to help people suffering from addiction.

Urban-rural divide

Johnson: Would support Oregon’s natural resource industries and communities.

Kotek: Said she would get out of Salem to listen to Oregonians all over the state, and collaborate with local leaders to solve problems specific to rural communities.

Drazan: Would allow local communities to decide the best approach to policies as often as possible and reject top-down mandates at the state level.

Climate change

Kotek: Said she would hold corporate polluters accountable, create new jobs in renewable energy and help families and businesses protect themselves from wildfire and smoke damage.

Drazan: Supports active forest management and would invest in modern water infrastructure. Opposes policies such as cap-and-trade.

Johnson: Said she believes climate change is real but has consistently voted against legislation that would reduce emissions. Johnson said she believes the best way Oregon can reduce its carbon footprint is by better managing forests.

Forest management

Drazan: Supports active management of forests and rangelands.

Johnson: Would direct state foresters to immediately begin thinning forests and urge the federal government to do the same on Oregon’s federal forests.

Kotek: Supports modernization of the Oregon Forest Practices Act under the Private Forest Accord passed this year, and supports implementation of a statewide habitat conservation plan for all private timber land.

Cost-of-living concerns

Johnson: Said she would eliminate some rules, regulations and fees for homebuilders to increase the housing supply.

Kotek: Said she would partner with other states to lower prescription drug prices, ensure building of more affordable housing, expand access to community college, job training and apprenticeships, and fight for investments in Oregon’s childcare system.

Drazan: Said she would veto new tax increases and repeal or revise unnecessary regulations.

Tracy Loew covers the environment at the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips to tloew@statesmanjournal.com, 503-399-6779. Follow her on Twitter at @Tracy_Loew.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Abortion, guns, climate change: Governor candidates differ on issues