Bret Cecil

Bret Cecil was born in Long Beach, California.

His career experience includes working as the following:

farmer and rancher

veterinary assistant

medical records tech and transcriber

pathology lab assistant

computer operator and word processor

personal trainer and fitness instructor

property owner and manager

builder and small-scale developer

Cecil is affiliated with the AARP, Indivisible, Curry County Democrats, and the Democratic Party of Oregon.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a grassroots activist who has cut my teeth on Anti-Trumpism, Anti-Racism, Indivisible activities, and the MeToo movement & Women's Marches as well as the current Chair of the Curry County Democrats.

Additionally, I am a member of all of DPO's Caucuses but am most active in Rural, Disability Justice, Gunowners & Stonewall Caucuses. I'm a small-town RV livin', retired/disabled, gun-totin', grassroots activist queer dedicated to public service and connecting the voices of the residents of HD-1 to THEIR power in Salem..!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Needs of Rural Oregonians. I'm a resident of Rural Southwest Oregon. I lived in rural California as well where I formerly owned and managed a chicken farm and a goat ranch as well as maintained acreage with environmentally friendly policies.Housing for home-challenged, senior and workforce needs.Government is Of, By and For The People. Connecting constituents with THEIR Power in our State Capital of Salem.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Transparency and Accountability in local government.

Involving and Informing The People with regard to Their Government.

Critiquing policy, developing solutions.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Currently, Mallory McMorrow, State Senator, Michigan.

The late, great Congressman John Lewis.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

https://youtu.be/riPjjHKdEhU

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

-Listening.

- Empathy.

- Scarcity/Lack of Ego.

- Interest in the Success and Well-Being of my Constituents.

- Capability of Connecting my Constituents with Services/Solutions.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

-Listening.

- Empathy.

- Scarcity/Lack of Ego.

- Interest in the Success and Well-Being of my Constituents.

- Capability of Connecting my Constituents with Services/Solutions.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

-Listening.

- Empathy.

- Scarcity/Lack of Ego.

- Interest in the Success and Well-Being of my Constituents.

- Capability of Connecting my Constituents with Services/Solutions.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

JFK's funeral. 3 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Veterinary Clinic Assistant, Nearly 2 years. 1977 to 1979.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Maintaining Health

Living on a Fixed Income

Housing Reliability, Recent

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Working/Friendly

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

The Impact of Climate Change on:

- Water - Fresh & Waste/Pollution, Wildlife, Fisheries, Drought

- Air - Pollution/Smoke

- Land - Agriculture, Timber, Roads, Wildfires/Pollution

Housing for:

- Home-Challenged

- Seniors

- Workforce

Public Safety:

- Public Health/Healthcare for All

- Law Enforcement

- Fire Safety

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes. Grassroots to Elected.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. Power in numbers. Success with broad support and input.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Housing

Environment

Healthcare

Fish & Wildlife

(Re)Districting

Campaign Finance Reform

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Maybe, if I were younger.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Those of Republicans and Independents that now identify and have re-registered as Democrats.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes.