To the Editor:

I’m supporting Virginia Stapleton for Oregon State Senate District 11 because she is a strong voice for positive change. Residents of District 11, encompassing areas of North Salem, Keizer and Woodburn, are facing serious affordability issues, from housing to food to health care and more, and Virginia Stapleton offers the leadership we need to successfully address these issues.

On the housing front, Virginia has called out the need for more affordable housing, and not just a few units as part of a high-end development. During her time on Salem City Council, she supported infrastructure investments tied to affordable housing and community safety.

In addition to more housing units that working families can afford, Virginia supports policies that will help working families retain more of what they earn in order to keep up with rising housing, food, utility and transportation costs.

With her background on Salem City Council, Virginia knows the importance of a strong partnership with state government to help communities adequately address affordable housing, as well as to fund schools, public safety, infrastructure and more.

Virginia is a working mom who knows the challenges families in Senate District 11 face. I believe she has the drive, diligence and dedication to our community to fight for a future where working families have a fighting chance. Virginia is the advocate the district needs to meet the challenges ahead.

–Carolyn Homan, Keizer

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