Saying I have an independent voice for Oregon is not just rhetoric. During my first session representing you in Salem in the House of Representatives, I proved myself by having one of the most independent voting records of all 90 legislators and achieving a 100% voting record with the Independent Party.

Here are examples of the promises I made when I was campaigning and honored when I was elected:

Rein in government spending by introducing legislation (HB 3275) to require independent, performance audits of agencies.  As taxpayers we should expect efficient and cost-effective programs.

Voted against excessive unfair taxes and fees that harm Oregon citizens and employers.

Stood up for local schools in an effort to help prevent the lost school days we are facing today and better protect local classrooms.

Voted to call the legislature into special session to reopen and prioritize both the state budget and the use of taxpayer dollars.

Disappointingly, my opponent ran one of the most negative, personal, and disingenuous campaigns local voters have ever seen in 2008; sadly, he has returned to challenge me again this year. Your online vote will help defeat this opponent again and send a clear message that voters want integrity in elected officials.

My promise to you is to do my very best to represent you in an effective, independent and common sense way in the Oregon House of Representatives.

Please take the important step of being heard. Go online today and vote for Bill Kennemer for State Representative.

Thank you for the honor of serving and representing you.
Bill Kennemer

PS – The Independent Party of Oregon nominating convention is 100% online. To vote, use the unique identifier on the postcard you recently received in the mail and cast your vote for Bill Kennemer today!

“This significant shortfall is the result of poor budget planning and the Legislature’s unsustainable spending,” Rep. Kennemer said. “Across the board cuts are another wrong solution because they will protect non-essential programs at the expense of our schools, law enforcement and our most vulnerable citizens. A special session would give us the opportunity to re-prioritize spending and find new savings in the budget.”

Unlike the February “supplemental” session, Rep. Kennemer said the $577 million budget shortfall meets the constitutional requirements of a special session. He said legislative action is needed to avoid dramatic cuts, such as a $3.1 million reduction to Oregon City schools and a $1.9 million reduction to Canby schools.

“While I’m always reluctant to support special sessions, this is a time when we need to prioritize cuts and be wise stewards,” Rep. Kennemer said. “Difficult decisions must be made, but there are enough resources to hold education and other critical services harmless. By re-directing excess agency cash balances, enacting common sense policy changes, and by reducing state personnel costs, we can rebalance the budget in a fiscally responsible way.”