"Allen is exactly what Oregon needs in a Governor right now.  He has funded, started, grown and run companies and knows first hand how to compete in global markets.  Nobody else in the field in either party has the depth and breadth of experience that Allen brings to the Governor's office.  Simply said, he is an innovator and that is what we need to get Oregon back to work."

--Goli Ameri, Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State

I hope you all enjoyed and found reasons to be thankful over the Thanksgiving holiday.  After a short work week with meetings in Portland and Salem, I toured the beautiful Willamette Valley wine country over the weekend.  THis special place is putting Oregon on the map not only for great pinot noirs, but for tourism as well.  While tasting I was reminded of my walk across Oregon and the opportunity that is yet to be discovered in another part of our state - Baker City.

In Baker City I met with gold miners who extract gold from the tailings of rock that were piled up along side of streams many years ago when they were dredged for mining.  these current-day miners process the tailings and "restore" the stream.  I asked them if they ever had anyone certify their stream restorations and of course the answer was no. Why would they?

I proposed that maybe if they got their stream restoration certified, we could market the gold as "green gold" or "Oregon green gold."  We could certify the restored streams and process the gold using only the most environmentally friendly processes.

The gold could be marketed in Portland as "Oregon green gold" through selected jewlers.  The supply would be very limited.  We could charge a premium for the gold available on the open market.  "Oregon green gold" is not only environmentally sensitive; we improve the environment with every ounce.  The result would be to broaden the constituent base for the mining jobs in Baker City from just a few miners to the entire base of customers and friends of "Oregon green gold" in Porltand and beyond.  Economic development and environmental development do not have to be mutually exclusive.  If we do it the Oregon way, we can develop products and services that create careers - good careers - and improve our environment.

It is ideas like this that today seem as far fetched as Oregon wines being compared to French and California ones just 15 years ago.  I have the utmost confidence Oregon is ready for someone with a different perspective, with new ideas to become Governor and to lead us into a future where all Oregonians work together to build a better future for our state.

Join the effort today.

Take advantage of the Oregon political$50 tax credit (you will receive every dollar back, up to $50 per individual or $100 per couple, when you file your return next year).  Make a donation now.  Your contribution will send an important sign that Oregon is ready for new ideas and new leadership.