Harold Hutchison

Harold Hutchison earned a high school diploma from Pendleton High School and associate degrees from Blue Mountain Community College in 1978 and 1988.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a 71 year old retired ex-railroader, ex-high tech worker, still married after 45 years to the same woman that bore us 5 children. I am Conservative, understanding fully how great a gift this nation has been, not just to those of us that live here in the United States, but to ALL of humankind. My aim is to preserve what we have, and to fight against those that are now actively seeking to destroy it.

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?

Oregon ranks at or near the bottom of all states for academic achievement. We MUST return to setting high standards for ALL students regardless of ethnic background or economic status. Children will rise to the challenge, but if left to to their own, rather than thrive they will wither. Too long has the ruling party in Oregon championed mediocrity over merit. We must adopt a "Work Hard, and Good Things Will Happen" philosophy.We must restore the Rule of Law. Oregon has adopted failed policies regarding accountability. We need to ensure that criminals are found; that crimes are sufficiently punished; and that the principle of deterrence is well understood: If someone breaks the law, regardless of the reason, the prescribed penalties will be enforced. No more bail-less release.Oregon's government is largely out-of-touch with its citizens. A great example is last fall's "ramming through" of the DOT funding bill which raised taxes and fees across the board AND was opposed by a huge majority of the voters. The Democrat Legislature, and the Democrat Governor, signed the bill into law anyway. We need elected officials to answer to their constituents, and so we must find ways to reduce "The Power of the Incumbancy" that plagues elections now. TERM LIMITS will help, as will stopping the state's reliance on Vote-By-Mail (VBM).

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Personal accountability. I believe that lawmakers should have to suffer under the same laws that they write...NO EXCEPTIONS. No special privileges for Federal, State, County, or Local officials, and their terms should be limited. The Founders sought to empower Citizen legislators that would serve their country (or state, etc.) for a time and then return to private life. That is of utmost importance.

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

(The trite answer to this should always be Jesus, of course.) But more temporally, I admire Abraham Lincoln. A man of principle, yet he was pragmatic, driving to his goals using the means that made them possible. Compromise when you have to, when the new position has brought you closer to the as-yet un-achieved goal, knowing that this battle may be over but the war continues. A great man. (And it was with great dismay that I saw on various news channels that BLM/Antifa had torn down his statue. Imbeciles.)

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

Integrity. The Candidates must be who they present themselves to be. Voters should judge candidates on the values they represent (not on glitzy, phony, purchased personas.

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

To represent the constituency faithfully, acting in their best interests while exercising the judgment and wisdom acquired through life experiences. That MAY include education, family background, work experience, and acquired insight and wisdom through dedicated study.

What legacy would you like to leave?

When people think of me, I hope they believe that I have acted in all cases with integrity.

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

Paperboy. A few years, junior high into high school. Morning paper (Oregonian and Oregon Journal)

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

(Ask me in person, privately;')

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

The Governor's job is to respect the will of the people, executing faithfully the laws written by the Legislature. When a bill is presented for signature, the Governor should examine it's legality, whether it aligns with the US and State Constitutions, and if so....sign it. Vetoes should be reserved for only those cases where something is presented by a partisan legislature that it presents a gross injustice or would not withstand a Constitutional challenge.

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

Ridding ourselves of Democrat Party tyranny.

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

Necessary, but not desirable.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The assassination of JFK.