Results for Rural Oregonian Families
Get Government Off Our Farms
The Problem: Salem keeps piling on rules that cost farmers more and produce nothing but paperwork.
Bryan’s Fix:
- Kill the Ag Overtime Mandate — This hurts the very farm workers it claims to help, and crushes family operations that can’t absorb the cost
- Stop Micromanaging — Labor housing rules, pesticide restrictions, and environmental mandates should reflect real farming, not Portland politics
- Protect Private Property — Less intrusive policies that let farmers make decisions on their own land
- Open New Revenue Doors — Support Farm Stores and on-farm direct sales so families can build stronger, more diverse income
- Stand Up for Small Farms — Fight consolidation pressures that squeeze out family and mid-size operations
“Farmers don’t need Salem’s permission to grow food. They need Salem to get out of the way.”
Lower Taxes, Lower Costs for Rural Families
The Problem: From the gas pump to the grocery store, everything costs more — and Salem keeps making it worse.
Bryan’s Fix:
- Cut Property Taxes — Cap increases, expand exemptions for family homesteads, and stop forcing farm families to sell land just to pay the bill
- Simplify Farm Use Assessments — Tax farmland at what it produces, not what a developer might pay — and make it accessible for small farms under 30 acres
- Real Equipment Relief — Protect bonus depreciation so farmers can write off machinery and reinvest in their operations, not send it to Salem
- Protect the Family Farm Inheritance — Strengthen estate tax exemptions so the next generation can take over without being forced to sell
- Block New Tax Hikes — No new payroll, gas, or privilege taxes that hit rural commutes and farm trucks hardest
- Credits for Rural Families — Targeted relief for working households, young farmers, and small businesses
“Every dollar Salem takes is a dollar that could’ve stayed in District 18.”
Put Parents and Local Schools Back in Charge
The Problem: Portland’s agenda is showing up in our classrooms, and local families aren’t having a say.
Bryan’s Fix:
- Trust Parents, Not Bureaucrats — Local school boards should decide what’s best for District 18 kids, not administrators in Salem
- Teach Core Skills — Reading, math, and critical thinking — not divisive social theories that don’t prepare kids for real life
- Expand School Choice — Charter schools, education savings accounts, and vouchers give families options and create healthy competition
- Invest in Vocational and Ag Education — As a longtime FFA advisor, Bryan knows these programs change lives and build the workforce our farms and businesses actually need
“I spent 43 years in Oregon schools. I know what works — and I know what Portland keeps getting wrong.
In my four decades in public education of work as a teacher, building administrator and superintendent, I stayed in stride with generational concerns of both students and parents.
I believe the parent is the strongest advocate for the student and should be encouraged to stay informed of what their children are learning at school. In my experience, most school staff genuinely care about their students. I understand the concerns and issues with our students, parents and school staff.”
Protect Water Rights for Every Farm
The Problem: Changing water laws and new fees are creating uncertainty that hits small operations hardest.
Bryan’s Fix:
- Secure Local Water Access — Willamette Valley and foothill farms need reliable, affordable water — not more bureaucratic hurdles
- Expand Small-Farm Well Use — Practical exemptions for commercial gardens and family operations shouldn’t require an army of lawyers
- Put Local Farmers First — Push back on policies that hand water decisions to distant interests who’ve never set foot on our soil
“Water isn’t a Portland policy debate. It’s how we feed Oregon.”
