“It’s going to be making sure people get help as soon as they can. “It’s going to be bird-dogging these things,” Schrader said. Schrader said a key to wildfire recovery for many of the communities will be continued pressure on federal agencies to help those impacted.
He was part of the push to get the major disaster declaration for the wildfires approved in the days after the fire, which allowed for federal help for victims of the fire. Wildfires: White House approval of emergency declaration in Oregon means local funding won't run out “I would enjoy having a rational discussion for a change.” “Again, where a lot of folks like to paint this as all or none approach, there’s as usual a happy medium,” Schrader said. Schrader said the government needs to use science and the knowledge of experts to better manage forests with methods like prescribed burns and thinning to prevent fuels from building up in vulnerable areas. The district includes wildfire-impacted areas like Santiam Canyon cities including Mill City, areas of Clackamas County and Otis. The former veterinarian from Canby sits on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce as well as the Blue Dog Coalition for moderate Democrats. He handily defeated opponents Mark Gamba and Blair Reynolds in this year’s primary election. Schrader, 68, was a state representative and senator before moving on to the United States House of Representatives and has won every election he has been in since 1996. Courser had under $4,000 on hand as of June 30 and Rix said he hasn’t raised any money. Schrader has a huge advantage in fundraising, with $1.4 million raised as of June 30, the latest date reported by the Federal Elections Committee, and $2.5 million cash on hand. Multiple analyzations including from The Cook Political Report rate the district as “Solid Democratic.” Oregon’s fifth congressional district represents Salem, a swath north to parts of Portland, east to Stayton and Detroit and west to the central coast, including Lincoln City, Tillamook and Newport and includes parts of Marion, Clackamas, Yamhill, Lincoln and Tillamook counties. The three are candidates for the seat in the Nov. Ryan Courser defeated two more highly funded candidates in the Republican primary and Rix, who has raised no money, has never run for any public office. Kurt Schrader has held Oregon’s Congressional District 5 seat since 2008, winning six terms by wide margins, usually without serious opposition.Īmy Ryan Courser and Matthew Rix identify as long shots. Watch Video: VIDEO: Hear from Open Oregon Schools Rally organizer