News

HOUSE DISTRICT 20 CANDIDATES: IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Guest Opinion

Focus on prevention and research-based solutions

VICKI BERGER

October 12, 2006

The Statesman Journal invited Vicki Berger and Connie Garcia, Republican and Democratic candidates for the state House, to submit 400 words about this topic: What specific steps would you take to improve children's well-being, which Children First for Oregon rated D+?

Oregon is in economic recovery. We are no longer the state of hunger and joblessness. Positive signs from the Oregon Progress Board include a decrease in teen pregnancy and improved math and reading scores.

This good news, however, must be tempered with a reality check. We remain ground zero for meth abuse. Poverty, obesity and unresolved mental-health issues are still with us and these problems disproportionately affect the youngest and most vulnerable citizens of Oregon -- our children.

The best place to address any problem is at the local level and in this case we have a team in place which is ready, willing and able.

At a recent Marion County Children and Family Commission forum, I listened as local business leaders, law enforcement officials, faith-based advocates, medical experts and educators outlined a very specific action plan.

While this plan will be implemented by the local team, the state role was clearly outlined: Find a way to provide affordable health care for children, improve our foster-care system and put more effort into addiction and recovery systems so families caught in the spiral of drug problems can get help before crisis leads to disintegration.

Recent brain research is pointing us in a clear direction.

Problems of mental and physical health which are not addressed in the first few years of life often result in an individual pattern of strife which will be paid for by the taxpayers in education services, unemployment problems, incarceration and dependence on expensive social services. Prevention is the only affordable option.

This means early identification and intervention. This means parent education and support.

This next legislative session, we must be willing to make investments in the future of our children. Partisanship and sound bites must be replaced by serious efforts to find workable, research-based solutions to our problems with drugs and child abuse. Community-based programs with measurable results like Liberty House, Family Building Blocks and Drug Court provide models which can be duplicated in other parts of the state.

With the improving economy, there will be many competing needs. As your state representative, I pledge to join with local, state and federal officials in proactive strategies to improve the lives of our children.

Rep. Vicki Berger, R-Salem, is running for re-election in House District 20. Contact her campaign at (503) 559-6169 or www.vickiberger.net.