Wand goes head-to-head with Gorsek for State Rep. seat

Running to keep his 49th District State Representative seat in November, former MHCC student and incumbent Matt Wand is going head-to-head against MHCC criminal justice instructor Chris Gorsek.

A Reynolds High School graduate, Wand attended MHCC before transferring to Portland State University, where he earned a political science degree.

Wand, completing his first two-year term in the Oregon Legislature, campaigned over the summer to help his cause.

During conversations Wand has had with citizens throughout the district, the subject of “The Grange,” a proposed nontribal casino in Wood Village, came up the most.

“Lots and lots of people were talking about the casino measure,” Wand said.

“The Grange” is something on which Wand and his opponent, Gorsek, share common ground, in that they are both against it.

More recently, Wand said the possible abduction case of Whitney Heichel, a 21-year-old reported missing on Tuesday by Gresham police, has raised voters’ worries.

Wand said public safety is among his priorities.

“These sort of things bring to mind the importance of criminal violence and public safety,” he said.

Wand said this is particularly of concern because the way the Oregon parole board for violent criminals works. Currently, violent criminals can apply for parole after two years, he said.

To combat this, Wand said he is working on a bill that would revise the parole system.

Two additional obvious focuses of Wand’s campaign have been job creation, to help “create more local jobs” specifically and education, he said.

“I am strong on the issues of job creation and higher education It is important for me that MHCC students know with certainty that there is a future for them in East County,” Wand said.

“I want the students of MHCC to have the opportunity to have a job and have a family here.”

Wand said rising tuition and decreasing government funding of schools are also of concern to him.

“The way we get to a place where tuition doesn’t hav to increase involves bettering the economy as a whole,” he said. “We have to get started on fixing the Oregon economy.”

Asked why he feels he is most qualified for the position, Wand said, “I have a proven track record.”
He said he is open about his priorities and has strong convictions for his goals.

“I’m confident that East County will select the appropriate candidate,” Wand said.

Wand served on the Troutdale City Council from 2008-2010 and was elected into the state House of Representatives in November 2010.

For the story on Wand’s opponent, Chris Gorsek, see last week’s Advocate or www.advocate-online.net.