News

Berger best choice for District 20

Oregon House District 20 candidates: Rep. Vicki Berger-R, Richard Riggs-D

Our recommendation: Re-elect Vicki Berger

Key reasons: Berger has done what voters have asked of her. She has been a strong, independent voice for the district instead of toeing a party line. Her pragmatism and views — moderate on social issues, progressive on education and environmental matters, conservative with taxpayers' money — fit the district.

Economic issues dominate the urban-rural district, making Berger's business-government background especially relevant. She seems truly to enjoy dealing with people from all walks of life.

As a Republican, she's in the minority in the Democratic-run Legislature. Dissenting voices are essential in crafting practical legislation; that's a role Berger fills on the House tax committee and in other areas as she combines her outspoken nature with teamwork.

She represents a declining breed in Oregon politics: citizen legislators who serve in public office out of a love for their state instead of personal political ambition,

Such skills are not easily replaceable. Riggs is a talented, well-prepared challenger; he could do well in the Legislature. But he lacks Berger's political experience, as well as her deep roots in the district, and he hasn't made the case for why voters should replace her.

Candidates' background and civic involvement: Berger, who has lived in the district much of her life, owned a small business. Her husband, Jerry, is a retired president of Chemeketa Community College and serves on the State Board of Education.

Berger was on the Salem-Keizer School Board, led two school bond measure campaigns and has served on school and city volunteer boards. She was first elected to the Legislature in 2002.

Riggs, who has lived in the district for more than two years, is a retired naval officer and a student at the Willamette University College of Law. His wife, Shannon, won an Oregon Book Award for children's literature in 2007 for her book, "Not in Room 204."

He was elected last year to the Chemeketa Community College Board. He has been involved in Rotary, Little League and parent-school advisory committees.

Campaign contacts:

Berger: (503) 559-5452; info@vickiberger.net; vickiberger.net

Riggs: (503) 269-6389; RichardRiggs2008@gmail.com; www.RichardRiggs.com

Geography: The district is on the west side of Salem, covering West Salem, part of South Salem, Monmouth, Independence, and rural parts of Marion and Polk counties.

Read their questionnaire answers: StatesmanJournal.com/electionsqa

The Statesman Journal Editorial Board makes its recommendations based on interviews with the candidates, their questionnaires and other information.