We can make a difference together

INTRODUCTION

I am the Independent Party of Oregon nominee for Oregon State Representative, House District 29 (no Republican candidate), ensuring voters in House District 29 will have a meaningful choice this November. Today, I am a small business owner and serve on the Forest Grove City Council — a 30-year resident and life-long Oregonian.

I am running to address the rising cost of living, the growing tax burden on working families and small businesses, poor educational outcomes, housing affordability, and the need for a stronger economy.

Practical leadership. Local voices. Better Outcomes.

My full interview with Phil Clark, Manufacturers Rep.

An independent manufacturers representative in Oregon (Clark Technologies).

Product lines include electro-mechanical and passive components with a focus on micro-electronic components for computing and portable handheld devices.

Pod-Side Chat is a series of practical conversations

with leaders and influencers in Oregon

UP NEXT: Small business owner in the district

AFFORDABILITY Is the Whole Cart

The affordability question is at the checkout line: can a household or small business afford everything in the cart? It is not simply whether each individual tax or fee can be justified on its own.

Oregon's Department of Revenue says it administers more than 60 revenue streams supporting government programs. Each may have a purpose. But taxpayers experience their cumulative cost.

Before government reaches for additional revenue, policymakers should ask a different question:

How much is enough—and how much must remain with households and businesses for them to thrive?

That requires answering two basic questions before adding another tax or fee:

Accountability: What went wrong? What decisions, systems or conditions produced the problem?
Effectiveness: What are we getting for the money already being spent, and why isn't the existing investment producing the expected result?

Additional revenue should not be the automatic response to an underperforming system.

First examine what we already have: priorities, administrative costs, program effectiveness, duplication, measurable outcomes and opportunities to redirect existing resources.

Most industries—including public institutions—use performance management systems to evaluate whether an individual’s work produces meaningful, lasting results. Elections provide the public with its own performance review: an opportunity to examine the record of incumbent leaders, measure outcomes against promises and investments, and decide whether to continue in the same direction or choose a different one.

Voters only need to examine the outcomes after 12 years: AFFORDABILITY — the rising cost of living, the cumulative tax burden on working families and small businesses, poor education outcomes, diminishing housing affordability, fleeting protections for targeted communities, and a weakened economy.

Less Than a Month to Go

We’re less than a month from Election Day, and this race is drawing attention and resources beyond what the establishment expected. That tells me something important:

House District 29 race is competitive.

These final weeks are crucial. The party in power is determined to re-elect an incumbent and retain this seat, fueled by corporations and PAC money.

Our campaign is powered by local people—by grassroots energy, neighbors, volunteers, and donors across this district who believe it is time for a new approach to governing.

We believe that change is a natural part of leadership and that House District 29 deserves a choice and independent voice focused on implementation, accountability, affordability, and measurable outcomes.

We have less than a month to kick the ball forward.

I will bring an implementation-focused approach centered on outcomes—design policy with the people expected to implement it, fund it responsibly, and measure whether it actually improves people’s lives.

Thank You for Your Support

There are several ways you can help:

Donate. Every dollar helps us communicate with voters throughout Forest Grove, Cornelius, and West Hillsboro.

Host. Bring together neighbors, friends, and colleagues for an informal conversation.

Volunteer. Write postcards, knock on doors, make calls, or simply introduce me to your network, there is a place for you.

Share. Distribute this newsletter to your network, like and follow my social media posts.

I’m grateful to everyone who has chosen to be part of it—including you. Please reach out to me directly to learn more.

Thank you.

Brian@BrianSchimmel.org

👉 Learn more about my values and approach to public service

👉 Learn more about my priority areas & the "how?"

NEW ENDORSEMENT

Sig Unander, a former Cornelius City Councilor, Washington County Budget Committee and Housing Advisory Board member, Centro Cultural board member and small business owner.

Proudly Endorsed by LOCAL Leaders:

State Senator Janeen Sollman (D)
Washington County Commissioner Jerry Willey
Washington County Auditor Kristine Adams-Wannberg
Mayor Beach Pace – Hillsboro
Mayor Malynda Wenzl – Forest Grove
Mayor Jef Dalin – Cornelius
Past Chair Kristy Kottkey – Forest Grove School Board
Vice-Chair Mark Watson – Hillsboro School Board
Former Mayor Steve Callaway – Hillsboro
J. Schuberth, Education Advocate and Parent
Hillsboro Classified United Local 4671
National Federation of Independent Business

Financial contributions by individual Oregon residents.

(no corporations or PACs)

Opportunities to connect, engage, share experiences and for casual conversation

Bring together neighbors, friends, and colleagues for an informal conversation

Please reach out to connect individually or as a group.

Pacific Students Political Society (PSPS) at Pacific University will host a cross-examination style of conversation with candidates on October 19, 6:00 PM. The event will bring students into the political process, will be held on campus, and will be open to the public. Location to be announced.

American Legion Post 2 in Forest Grove will host a candidate conversational forum on October 22, 6:00 PM to include State Representative and Forest Grove City Council candidates. This event will be held at the American Legion building (2003 21st Ave) and will be open to the public.