Press Releases
Oregon agriculture supports Vic Gilliam
October 13, 2008 -Silverton, ORThe weight of Oregon agriculture has overwhelming endorsed Vic Gilliam in the race for House District 18. A cross section of the natural resource community has recognized that Gilliam is the best voice for farmers and ranchers in rural communities, including AG-PAC, Oregon Forest Industries Council, Oregonians for Food and Shelter, Oregon Dairy Farmers, the Oregon Farm Bureau, Family Farm PAC, Oregon Seed Council, and the Oregon Cattleman’s Association.
“My highest priority is fighting for the working families in our community, and that means defending the interests of the farmers and ranchers that keep us thriving,” said Gilliam. “Too often it is the urban downtown special interests that are represented in Salem, not the farms and small businesses that are the backbone of our state. I pledge to continue fighting for the things you need to be successful, like less taxes and decreased regulation.”
Gilliam was one of only four members to receive an A-plus rating from the Oregon Farm Bureau in the 2007 legislative session for a 94% voting record. Gilliam has been a staunch defender of water rights for farmers, fought an attempt to limit field burning and has been a voice for common sense in the pesticide debate. Gilliam has also been an advocate for repeal of the death tax and worked to fund water storage projects.
Former State Senator, Christmas tree farmer and executive secretary of the Oregon Seed Council Roger Beyer called Gilliam “a fierce advocate for the needs of agriculture.” The president of the Oregon Farm Bureau Barry Bushue said, "Representative Vic Gilliam understands the issues important to agriculture.”
Gilliam is finishing his first term in the legislature having served Dist. 18 in the 2007 and 2008 sessions. Gilliam has two daughters who have attended Silverton schools since kindergarten. He has served as a Director of the Campaign Cabinet for United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley, Salem Young Life Committee, and a member of the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee to the Salem School Superintendent. He is a graduate of Warner Pacific.
Main Street picks Vic Gilliam for House District 18
October 5, 2008 - Silverton, OR
The Oregon Small Business Coalition, voice to over 40,000 Oregon businesses, has endorsed Vic Gilliam as the best candidate to grow and strengthen Oregon’s economy.
“Every family knows the importance of strong, healthy businesses that can withstand these tough economic times,” said John Killin, President of OSBC. “Vic Gilliam is the best man to protect Oregon businesses and create an environment where they can grow and thrive without the burden of excess taxes and red tape.”
Last session, Gilliam fought for bold action to attract businesses to Oregon and help them grow. Gilliam advocated for a cut in the capital gains tax, which suppresses business investment, and the inheritance tax. He also helped introduce a real Rainy Day Fund to shelter Oregon businesses in tough economic times. Gilliam was also a dependable voice speaking out against unnecessary regulation and mandates that hamper the development of businesses in Oregon.
“A growing tax burden and skyrocketing healthcare costs are the enemy of businesses and family wage jobs,” said Gilliam. “I’ll do everything I can to lower taxes and make health care affordable. We need to protect and help Oregon small businesses in every way we can to keep them growing and employing Oregonians.”
Gilliam has also received the endorsement of National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Oregon Business Association, and the Associated Oregon Industries.
Cattlemen Endorse Gilliam
September 29, 2008 - Silverton, OR
The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association has endorsed Vic Gilliam (R-Silverton) in the race for House District 18.
“We are confident that Vic Gilliam understands the importance of agriculture to Oregon’s economy and rural communities,” said Bob Beck, Chair of the Oregon Cattle Political Action Committee. “As the second highest valued commodity in Oregon, a healthy cattle industry is vital to the future of this state.”
For the last 90 years, the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association has been the voice of Oregon’s cattle industry. Their legislative priorities include restoring common sense to the Endangered Species Act, controlling predators like the gray wolf and protecting the private property rights of landowners.
“Oregon’s agricultural economy represents one of our state’s great strengths,” said Gilliam. “Cattlemen represent thousands of stable, family wage jobs and are a foundation of our economy. I am proud to fight on their behalf in Salem.”
Gilliam has also received numerous other endorsements from the agricultural and natural resource communities, including the Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregon AG-PAC, Oregonians for Food and Shelter, and the Oregon Dairy Farmers.
“This is another welcomed honor in a long and well rounded list of endorsements that I have received,” said Gilliam. “I believe it helps illustrate that I represent all of our district's agricultural and natural resource communities. This additional nod from the Cattlemen completes a roster that I am very proud of, from private nurserymen to the entire Oregon Farm Bureau. I take all endorsements and points of view in our agriculture community into account as I tackle tough issues that threaten their rural businesses in a legislature increasingly devoted to the exclusive interest of urban Oregon.”
Gilliam is finishing his first term in the legislature having served Dist. 18 in the 2007 and 2008 sessions. Gilliam has two daughters who have attended Silverton schools since kindergarten. He has served as a Director of the Campaign Cabinet for United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley, Salem Young Life Committee, and a member of the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee to the Salem School Superintendent. He is a graduate of Warner Pacific.
Vic Gilliam best defender of gun owner rights
September 19, 2008 - Silverton, OR The National Rifle Association has endorsed Vic Gilliam (R-Silverton) for House District 18 and given him an A+ rating for his strong stance on Second Amendment rights.
“Honest, law abiding citizens have the right to own and carry firearms to protect themselves and their families,” said Gilliam. “The Constitution explicitly protects this right, and as your representative I will work to protect it.”
The NRA and its lobbying arm is committed to preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The NRA has worked to pass pro-gun legislation. These efforts include enacting laws that recognize the right of citizens to carry firearms for self-protection; preemption bills to prevent attacks on gun owner rights by local anti-gun politicians, and fighting for legislation to prevent the bankrupting of America’s firearms industry through reckless lawsuits.
The NRA chose Gilliam “based on his record of leadership and support of the Second Amendment,” said Tara Reilly Mica, Oregon State Liaison.
Representative Vic Gilliam participates in 9/11 ceremony
September 11, 2008 – Molalla, Oregon
A packed house of Molalla area business owners filled the parlor of the historic Prairie House Inn (524 E. Main Street, Molalla). The Inn is owned by former State Representative, Tootie Smith, who hosted the gathering for current Representative Vic Gilliam.
Tootie Smith introduced the Molalla business owners to our State Representative Vic Gilliam and Senator Fred Girod. A statement from Tootie, “Vic Gilliam is the best person to represent House District 18, because he understands the economic needs we are facing in this district.”
Issues discussed ranged from education to health care, immigration and tough budget decisions for the 2009 session.
Following the breakfast at the Prairie House Inn, Rep. Vic Gilliam and Sen. Fred Girod participated in the 9/11 Memorial at the Molalla Fire Department, speaking to an audience of local residents, fire personnel and various elected officials.
Tough on crime group picks Gilliam for House District 18
August 27, 2008
Silverton, OR – The Oregon Anti-Crime Alliance has endorsed Vic Gilliam (R-Silverton) for his record of action to make families safer in their homes and on the street. The goal of the alliance is to reduce Oregon’s crime rates to the 5th lowest in the nation.
“Vic Gilliam is a strong anti-crime advocate who has our complete support,” said Kevin Mannix, Treasurer of the Oregon Anti-Crime Alliance.
Gilliam has fought for tough penalties that will put repeat offenders behind bars and keep Oregon neighborhoods safe. Gilliam has supported extending the statues of limitations for sex crimes and creating a new crime of on-line sexual corruption of a child. He also co-sponsored House Bill 3429 to increase the mandatory minimum sentencing for repeat property crimes, burglary, car theft, and identity theft. Working towards tougher punishments for those who prey on children is one of Gilliam’s priorities.
“Those who have continual disregard for the laws that Oregonians live by need to be held accountable,” said Gilliam. “Meth dealers, child predators, and metal thieves have no place in our community. Tough sentences will keep our families and communities safe and secure.”
The Oregon Anti-Crime Alliance reaches out to law enforcement groups and citizens to build coalitions for various proposals to reduce Oregon’s crime rate. The plan is to work to reduce crime on all fronts, incorporating prevention, education programs, accountability, effective treatment and rehabilitation programs, and enhanced criminal investigation and prosecution.
Gilliam is finishing his first term in the legislature having served Dist. 18 in the 2007 and 2008 sessions after being appointed to serve the entire term of the late Mac Sumner. Gilliam has two daughters who have attended Silverton schools since kindergarten. He has served as a Director of the Campaign Cabinet for United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley, Salem Young Life Committee, and a member of the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee to the Salem School Superintendent. He is a graduate of Warner Pacific.
Oregon small businesses endorse Gilliam
August 7, 2008
Silverton, OR – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has endorsed Vic Gilliam (R-Molalla) for House District 18. Gilliam is a staunch defender of small business in Oregon.
“It is the family owned and run small businesses that are the foundation of Oregon’s economy,” said Gilliam. “I am honored by their support, and will continue to fight for a healthy business climate that encourages them to grow and thrive free of burdensome taxes and red tape.”
Gilliam is a leading advocate for eliminating taxes that stunt the growth of Oregon business like the capital gains tax and the inheritance tax. He is proposing a tax cut for working families in 2009 that would create over 19,000 new jobs and give Oregon businesses the tools they need to grow.
“Small businesses have few defenders as fearless and vocal as Vic Gilliam,” said Harlan Levy, NFIB Oregon Director. “Vic is committed to keeping taxes low, our economy strong, and small businesses across Oregon growing.”
The National Federation of Independent Business is the leading small business association representing small and independent businesses. NFIB's mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses.
Oregon Business Association endorses Gilliam for House District 18
August 1, 2008
Silverton, OR – A group representing nearly 300 businesses from across the state of Oregon has named Vic Gilliam (R-Silverton) as the candidate they trust to create local jobs and help Oregon business be competitive in a global economy. The Oregon Business Association announced their endorsement of Vic Gilliam for House District 18 this week.
“Vic Gilliam has a vision for a prosperous Oregon that has thriving businesses and plentiful jobs,” said Ryan Deckert, President of the OBA. “He understands the vital importance of K-12 and higher education, a strong transportation system and sound environmental policy. We are pleased to recommend him to the voters of House District 18.”
In 2007, Gilliam introduced the Oregon Stability and Investment plan to grow the economy and create new jobs for Oregon families by reducing the capital gains tax. He also championed a common-sense Rainy Day Fund for tough economic times. Gilliam has fought for expanded workforce development programs in Oregon’s high schools and community colleges. He also wants to increase Oregon’s child tax credit, so working families have a little more financial breathing room.
“A strong and growing economy is the answer for thousands of Oregon families struggling to buy gas, groceries and pay school activity fees,” said Gilliam. “We need bold economic policies that encourage businesses to move to Oregon and invest in our communities for the long term. Healthy businesses and communities mean families can stop living paycheck-to-paycheck and start saving for the future.”
Oregon Business Association’s statewide membership includes some of Oregon’s homegrown companies such as Neil Kelly Company, Norm Thompson, Powell’s Books, the Yoshida Group, Threemile Canyon Farms and Sokol Blosser Winery as well as some of the state's major corporations including NW Natural, NIKE, PGE, Wells Fargo Bank, The Standard and Harry & David.
Gilliam was appointed to the House of Representatives in 2007 to replace Mac Sumner, who passed away last year. Gilliam has two daughters who have attended Silverton schools since kindergarten. He has served as a Director of the Campaign Cabinet for United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley, Salem Young Life Committee, and a member of the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee to the Salem School Superintendent. He is a graduate of Warner Pacific.
Gilliam In The News
Candidates’ Fair gives area voters a good look at the issues at stake
Bethany Monroe
Molalla Pioneer
October 1, 2008
Candidates for state positions gathered in Hubbard last Thursday for a public forum sponsored by the Hubbard Business and Economic Development Group.
The event drew candidates for the Oregon House of Representatives from Districts 18 and 39 and Oregon Senate District 9, along with candidates for mayor and city council in Hubbard’s local government.
The event gave District 18 candidates Jim Gilbert (D) and incumbent Vic Gilliam (R) the chance to debate publicly.
District 18 represents voters in Aurora, Colton, Donald, Hubbard, Molalla, Mulino, Mt. Angel, Scotts Mills and Silverton.
“In ‘09 we are not going to have a surplus and we need legislators who are not afraid to say no,” Gilliam told the audience in his opening statement. “The state has to live within their budget, just like you in your business, just like you in your home and just like I do.”
Gilbert, who operates a nursery near Molalla, focused on farming issues in his opening statement.
“We all know what it’s like to be dependent on foreign oil, we don’t need to be dependent on foreign food,” Gilbert said. “On good farmland we can grow food for thousands of years. It’s a long term investment for farmers to take care of their land and I am fighting to protect this resource.”
Gilliam and Gilbert sparred on several issues, including health care.
“I think our state is struggling mightily to deal with the healthcare problem,” Gilbert said. “To me, it’s really a moral issue.”
He criticized Gilliam for voting against the Healthy Kids Plan.
Gilliam said the state should focus on fixing its programs already in existence, such as the Oregon Health Plan, rather than starting a new program.
“The Healthy Kids Plan is exactly the wrong thing to do — create a new program with new taxes,” Gilliam said. “It was a bad idea. It was ignoring an existing program. We’ve got to get back to basics.”
Gilliam and Gilbert were also asked to share their views on illegal immigration.
“It’s one of the serious problems facing our district,” Gilliam said. “I do not believe that any society — ours or any other at any time — can absorb, willy-nilly, unlimited immigration without an orderly process and a rule of law. A society just simply will fold, you can’t afford it.”
Gilliam said much of the responsibility falls on the federal government to secure the borders, but there are small things states can do to take action, such as Oregon’s new requirement that people must have a birth certificate to receive a driver’s license.
He said the same rule should be applied for voter registration and also suggested starting a guest worker program.
Gilbert agreed that the federal government needs to secure borders and said farmers especially are in a tough position because they need workers.
Changing child labor laws so that children would once again be allowed to pick in bean and berry fields may be one step in addressing the problem, Gilbert said. He also said the government needs to help current illegal residents achieve legal status.
“We need to find a way to make people who are here right now legal so they can stay here and work,” Gilbert said.
The candidates also discussed their views on tax raises and prioritizing state funding.
“America and Oregon used to make a lot of stuff — now we buy a lot of stuff. I’d like to see us go back to local production, local consumption,” Gilbert said. “Building our economy is what I’m really interested in doing and working with our local businesses is one of my priorities.”
Gilliam said Oregon’s tax code needs “major surgery” and he would not support raising taxes.
Instead of spending more money, Gilliam said legislature needs to address funding for education first, since it requires the largest percentage of the budget and should be a top priority.
“It’s time to fund it up front and then we’ll see how much money we have for other issues,” Gilliam said.
The District 18 candidates also touched on issues such as campaign contributions and Gilliam attacked Gilbert’s support of U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Merkley, who was Speaker of the House during Gilliam’s time in Salem.
“If a regional legislator from this district ties himself intentionally with the Portland legislative crowd — Portland to Eugene — he’s asking to represent the wrong district,” Gilliam said. “So often, it’s us against them.”
Gilbert criticized Gilliam’s voting record, citing his votes against the Healthy Kids Plan and Measure 49.
“We need change in our legislature,” Gilbert said. “We need to get things done in our state.”
Clackamas County Commissioner Bill Kennemer (R), a candidate for the District 39 house seat, which represents Oregon City, Canby, Mulino, Carus, Beavercreek, Barlow and French Prairie, also participated in the forum. His opponent, Toby Forsberg (D) did not attend.
Kennemer served as a state senator in the 1980s and has been a county commissioner for 12 years.
“I think these are troubled times and as Vic suggested, we need someone with experience, someone who has had success and someone that you’ve learned to trust over time,” Kennemer said in his opening statement.
Kennemer named public safety and education as the top priorities that should be funded first.
He also discussed ways he would help bolster Oregon’s struggling economy.
“I think one of the things we ought to do is think about cutting taxes a trifle on low income families. It would make a big difference for them and a small difference on everyone else,” Kennemer said.
He also said improving roads would help businesses and the economy.
Senate District 9 candidate Bob McDonald (D) also answered questions. His opponent, incumbent Fred Girod (R), did not attend.
In his opening statement, McDonald introduced himself as a family physician who has lived in Silverton since 1981.
“The issue about which I am most passionate is health care,” McDonald said. “Our system of health care and health insurance in our state and country is broken and it is causing a great deal of suffering instead of the comfort, healing and good health that it should be.”
He said his top goal would be to widen health coverage and decrease costs to make it more affordable.
McDonald was also asked to share his views on Measure 60, which would create a new state statute mandating that teachers are paid according to their students’ performance rather than teacher seniority.
“I’m the youngest son of two public school teachers,” McDonald said. “Some years (my mother) had a great class, other years she just wanted to pull her hair … I don’t see how you can pay a teacher according to the student body.”
Following the debate, voters had the opportunity to mingle with candidates in the Hubbard Fire District bay and ask their questions directly.
Gilliam shares his goals, priorities at Molalla business breakfast
Published 9.17.08, Molalla PioneerBethany Monroe
District 18 Representative Vic Gilliam met with local business owners for a breakfast in Molalla last Thursday.
Gilliam, a Republican, was appointed to the District 18 seat after Rep. Mac Sumner resigned for health reasons in the end of 2006. Voters will decide this November if Gilliam will remain their representative or if he will be replaced by Democrat Jim Gilbert.
"I live in Silverton," Gilliam said. "I care about Molalla … I have been here and I will be here for you."
District 9 Senator Fred Girod also attended the breakfast, hosted at the Prairie House Inn by former state representative Tootie Smith.
Gilliam discussed his positions on topics such as education, healthcare, immigration and the state budget.
He said opponents have criticized him for voting down House Bill 2201, which would have raised tobacco taxes to fund health care for Oregon children.
Gilliam voted against the bill because he disagreed with how it would be funded and said that up to half of the children it was designed to help were already eligible for the Oregon Health Plan.
"Jim Gilbert cares about children - no doubt in my mind," Gilliam said. "I do, too, but I don't care to spend money frivolously to get there."
Girod also vouched for Gilliam's commitment to keeping state spending in check and making sure rural voters are heard.
"It's Portland and Eugene against rural communities," Girod said. "I was in the heat of the battle. This gentleman right here (Gilliam) had the guts to stand up to these people with me."
Gilliam also said that he has received endorsements from Clackamas County Farm Bureau, Oregon Ag-PAC and Oregon Farm Bureau even though his opponent is a farmer.
"If it’s the agriculture group, the majority of them are in my favor," Gilliam said. "Jim Gilbert needs to make a decision. He's either for farms or he's for the regime that is Portland. That's the way it is down there (in Salem)."
Gilliam listed his three main priorities as representative, ranking education at the top.
"I am a fan of public education. For 16 years I've had kids in Silverton public schools," he said. "I'm also a fan of choice. I'm a fan of charter schools and home schools."
Gilliam's second priority is public safety and providing Oregon State Police with funding to give 24-hour coverage throughout the state.
Another priority, Gilliam said, is supporting Oregon Project Independence, which provides resources for senior citizens to help them remain in their own homes, rather than care facilities.
"In these times, we need a legislature who says, ‘Here are the priorities and we need to make cuts,’” Gilliam said. "There's fat in the budget and I will continue to look for it."
Following the breakfast, Gilliam and Girod attended the Sept. 11 memorial ceremony at Molalla Fire Department.