Gubernatorial Candidate Jessica Gomez returns to Eastern Oregon
/Says major investments in infrastructure needed to alleviate future water shortages
Jessica Gomez proudly participating with the Farmers Ending Hunger in the Westard Ho! Parade in Pendleton. FEH is working to eliminate hunger in Oregon by increasing the amount of high-quality food available to hungry, local communities. Food insecurity is a big issue in Oregon, and through FEH, Oregon farmers donate about 4 million pounds of farm-fresh food each year! (Submitted photo)
Jessica Gomez visiting with the 2021 Westward Ho! Parade Grand Marshall, Bob Stangier. Stangier is a decorated WWII vet. He was volunteering at his 85th Round-Up! He started helping the Round-Up at age 12 and was the youngest-ever to serve on the Round-Up board, and now he is the oldest past director. (Submitted photo)
The following is a press release from Jessica Gomez for Governor.
MEDFORD, Ore. - Investments in infrastructure, more intensive forest management strategies, and education reform were among the main topics Gubernatorial Candidate Jessica Gomez discussed with Oregonians while visiting with local business and community leaders across Eastern Oregon last week.
“Eastern Oregon is full of talented, hard-working, and forward-thinking Oregonians who know that when rural counties thrive, so does the whole of Oregon,” said Jessica Gomez. “Their voices have been largely ignored by our current governor.”
Gomez, a small business owner from Medford, says Oregon’s recovery is dependent on building strong regional economies. Gomez will encourage targeted and strategic investments in broadband, water, transportation, and infrastructure so both urban and rural communities can support growth in industries like biotech, advanced manufacturing, smart Ag tech, and wood products.
She says Oregon needs major investments in infrastructure to alleviate the severe water shortage that has resulted in substantially lower crop yields throughout Eastern Oregon. Additionally, Gomez advocates for more intensive management of the forests to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, such as the removal of dead trees.
“We must foster an environment to make our state once again a great place to live and to work,” said Jessica Gomez. “As governor, my goal is to build back growth in every sector via small business development, infrastructure development, and expanding access to education.”
Another area of importance is giving Oregon students more opportunities to build academic and job skills. Gomez -- who at age 9 could not read, but later attended community college and, at age 26, built the first state-of-the-art microchip manufacturing facility in Southern Oregon-- knows first-hand the importance of giving children multiple avenues to access educational opportunities and thrive, including more access to apprenticeships.
While in Eastern Oregon, Gomez participated in the Pendleton Round-Up, where she had the opportunity to meet and listen to many locals, including Bob Stangier, a decorated WWII vet who was volunteering at his 85th Round-Up.
Gomez also toured Snake River Produce in Nyssa and learned that due to water shortage the onion crop is 20% of last year’s crop. Gomez also joined the Farmers Ending Hunger in the Westward Ho! Parade. FEH is working to eliminate hunger in Oregon by increasing the amount of food available to hungry local communities.
“One of the joys about running for governor is getting to see every corner of this beautiful state. One of the great gifts is hearing people’s hopes for Oregon’s future and the role they want the next Governor to play,” said Gomez.
Jessica Gomez speaking with Tiffany Kruikshank of Snake River Produce about the need for major investments in infrastructure to alleviate severe water shortages that have resulted in substantially lower crop yields throughout Oregon. (Submitted photo)
Meetings, locations, and itinerary
Saturday, September 11, 2021, Jefferson County
Burgers and Politics, Crooked River Ranch
9-11 Memorial Rally, presented by Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association, Crooked River Ranch
Met with Mae Huston, Jefferson Co. Commissioner
Sunday, September 12, 2021, Wheeler County
Tour/ Met with Kasey Skaar, Interim Chief, Jefferson County Rural Protection Station #1, Madras
Met with Will Homer, CEO Painted Hills Natural Beef, Fossil
Monday, September 13, 2021, Grant & Harney Counties
Met with Frances Preston, Grant County Chair
Met with Ken Olson, CEO, Old West Credit Union, John Day
Met with Gretchen Bates, Chair, Harney GOP, Burns
Met with Tom Sharp, President Oregon Cattlemen’s Assoc, Burns
Tuesday, September 14, 2021, Malheur & Baker County
Meet & Greet with Malheur County Republicans, Ontario
Toured Snake River Produce with Tiffany Kruikshank and Kay Riley, Nyssa,
Met with Judge Dan Joyce, Malheur Co. Commission
Toured Treasure Valley Community College with Dana Young, President TVCC
Met with Ty King, Manager, Vale Irrigation District
Meet & Greet hosted by Carrie Matthews
Wednesday, September 15, 2021, Wallowa & Umatilla County
Attended Wallowa County Commissioners Meeting, Enterprise
Met with Todd Nash, Wallowa Co Commissioner, Pres-Elect of Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, Enterprise
Attended the Rotary Club of Wallowa
Meet & Greet hosted at Sugar Time Bakery, Enterprise
Toured Stangel Bison Ranch with Bob Stangel, Enterprise
Attended the Round-Up BBQ
Thursday, September 16, 2021, Umatilla County
Attended VFW Outdoor Cowboy Breakfast, Stillman Park
Attended Junior American Indian Beauty Contest, Roy Raley Park
Attended Pendleton Round-Up Performances, Tough Enough to Wear Pink
Friday, September 17, 2021, Umatilla County
Attended Party for Bob Stangier, Grand Marshall
Participated in Westward Ho Parade
Saturday, September 18, 2020, Josephine County
Attended Our Country Our Constitution Dinner, Josephine County Fairgrounds, Grants Pass
To learn more about Jessica Gomez, visit her website: jessicagomezforgovernor.com.