To the Editor:

As a longtime North Salem/Keizer resident and working parent trying to make ends meet, I’m writing in strong support of Virginia Stapleton for the Oregon Legislature in Senate District 11. Families in Keizer, Salem and Gervais are being squeezed by rising housing costs and everyday expenses, and Virginia is the candidate who understands those struggles and has a record of taking action.

Too many households are one unexpected bill or rent hike away from crisis. Inflation is eating into paychecks while utilities, groceries and transportation costs keep climbing. Virginia has been clear that people who are working full time should not be living paycheck-to-paycheck while big corporations and the ultra-wealthy keep getting tax breaks.

On housing, she’s been honest about the reality: Oregon has been under-producing housing for years, especially homes that working families can actually afford. As a former Salem city councilor, she supported more affordable and middle housing and the infrastructure needed to make those homes possible, instead of just more high-end development that pushes prices up even further.

Virginia Stapleton lives in our community and will fight for housing stability, cost-of-living relief, and a future where families don’t have to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table. Senate District 11 needs a champion for working families, and Virginia is ready to do that job.

–Sarah Kester, Keizer

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