Charlie Conrad

Charlie Conrad was born in Corvallis, Oregon. He earned a bachelor's degree from Oregon State University in 1994 and a graduate degree from the University of Colorado in 2012. His career experience includes working in public administration.[2]

Charlie Conrad did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Charlie Conrad did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am fortunate to have lived in Dexter for the past 20 years with my wife Andee, who was born and raised in Dexter, and my son Charles. The wonderful people, open spaces and rural living has made this an ideal place to raise a family. I am a fourth-generation Oregonian, born in Corvallis and raised in a career Army family. In 1990 I returned to Corvallis and earned my BS in Wildlife Science, and in 2012 I earned my Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Colorado. I began life as a public employee In 1998 when I was hired as a Corrections Officer by the Lane County Sheriff’s Department. Since then I have had several other jobs including:

•

Springfield Police Department - police officer and detective - 14 yrs

•

League of Oregon Cities - Research Coordinator - 2 yrs

•

Lane County - Parks and Lane Events Center - 5 yrs

As a public employee for the past 23 years and as a volunteer member on various public advisory committees, including the Lane County Planning Commission, I have seen how people’s lives are improved by good legislation and responsible government, and how the opposite is also true. I believe it is time for Oregon to be fiscally responsible, less intrusive in everyday life and operate more efficiently, so people can live their lives and earn a living as they see fit.

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?

People come before politics - the government is there to enforce the rule of law, provide public goods, and maintain equal opportunities for everyone.Taxes need to be spent wisely and which provide a positive return on investment for the tax payers.The focus should be developing and providing opportunities for the working class - they are the backbone of our economy. This includes improving education so that our children will have opportunities when they join the working class.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public safety, education and supporting local businesses.

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

I am a student of the Stoics and work to exemplify the four Cardinal Virtues:

Wisdom, Moderation, Courage, Justice

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

At its core, a State Representative needs to be engaged with the district and represent the people.

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

I remember the Iran hostage crisis - very young.

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

I worked as an usher at a movie theater for about 6 months.

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

The Governor and Legislature should work in concert to pass and enact legislation while maintaining the separation of powers, with each understanding their role and purpose. This requires engagement and energy by each branch to affect the will of the voters. The ability to discuss, compromise and enact effective and purposeful policies and legislation also requires mutual respect and emotional intelligence in order to put people first and set egos and personal agendas aside.

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

The continued challenge is bringing the voices of rural Oregonians to the legislature.

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

Prior experience is certainly beneficial, but not a requirement. The legislature benefits from diverse backgrounds and experiences. What is needed is the ability to learn how government operates and how it is different than the private sector, with the greatest asset being having a "systems mindset" - that is thinking of the government and society as a system and understanding how all the parts come together.