Ahern, Huffman race congenial
The Madras Pioneer
October 18th, 2008
In contrast with other state and national races, congeniality ruled when the candidates for state representative met at a forum in Madras Oct. 10. Jefferson County Commissioner Mike Ahern, of
Both Ahern, 52, a Democrat, and Huffman, 51, a Republican, agreed that it was unfortunate that the Office of Rural Policy closed its doors in
"We’ve got to advocate for higher grants for rural counties," Ahern said, noting that he was very disappointed with the change. Huffman said he has been working with others on a plan to divide the state into zones which could be exempted from certain pieces of legislation. "We need to get our unfair share," he said.
Legislative audits also drew support from both candidates. Huffman said he would like to have an "outside force look at things and make some right decisions." Calling himself a conservative fiscal leader, Ahern said he favors the Rainy Day Fund, but disagrees with Huffman about cutting state income tax. Because of "tough times," he said, "I don’t think we can do that."
Both men ranked education and economic development as among their top priorities. “You can’t separate those; if we’re going to build our economy, you have to put education first," said Huffman, noting that when companies consider locating in an area, "they look at the education system first."
The recent lack of emphasis on arts, music and vocational-agricultural classes in schools concerns both candidates. "The country needs to make a giant change," said Ahern. "We need to invest in public education and economic development." The two candidates have similar stances on illegal immigration and work programs for those entering the U.S. legally for employment purposes. "We need to have a guest worker program," said Huffman, who also supports a pathway to citizenship for longtime residents.
Ahern agreed, commenting that there are thousands of migrant workers in the area. "We absolutely have to have a guest worker program," he said, noting that the current situation has caused animosity. "We need to get them documented and legal."
"I agree with Mike, and I’m ashamed of the majority of the (Republican) party," Huffman said. "We need to remember we should be a God-loving, God-fearing country." On the subject of a sales tax, Ahern said it’s a dead issue. "I’m not going to spend my time on it. I think we’re stuck with what we have unless someone shows me something better."
Huffman pointed out that Oregon voters have turned sales tax proposals down nine times. "I think the only plan voters would support would be a limit on property tax, income tax and sales tax," he said. "It would have to go to voters."
For low-income families, Huffman would like to strengthen rural health clinics and add more school-based health centers. With federal revenue likely to decline, Ahern is concerned about the future of the Oregon Health Plan, which receives about 60 cents from the federal government for every 40 cents the state puts in.
"I do think the Oregon Health Plan is a good thing," he said, "but I’m worried that the federal government isn’t going to be a good partner in the future." Asked about tribal sovereignty, and the practice of states withholding money from tribes if they don’t follow rules, such as the no-smoking law, Huffman said he sees both sides.
"Every situation is different," he said. In the case of no-smoking law, however, Huffman said, "I’m not a regulatory guy. I’m not in favor of the no-smoking law in bars." Ahern said tribes "shouldn’t have to abide by our rules."
Opinions were short and sweet about same-sex marriages. "I have no trouble with it," said Ahern, but, "I wouldn’t want the government forcing churches to abide by it." As his grandfather would have said, "I’m agin’ it," Huffman said. Ahern and Huffman were both strongly in favor of the Central Oregon
Candidate backgrounds
A second-term county commissioner, Ahern is also employed as a realtor with Coldwell Banker, Dick Dodson Realty. He graduated from Madras
Ahern has three sons, Aaron, 25, Jared, 23, and Carson, 19, and he and his wife Jane are expecting a fourth son in November.
Besides serving as state representative since his appointment in August of 2007, Huffman is a commercial property owner and manager. He serves on several Oregon House of Representative committees, especially those dealing with education, workforce and economic development. A high school graduate, Huffman said he attended "some college." Huffman and his wife Korina have eight grown children and 10 grandchildren.