Larry Galizio interview

I’m Dana Haynes, public affairs manager at Portland Community College, and this is one of a series of public affairs broadcasts with decision-makers and lawmakers from throughout Oregon. Joining us today is Larry Galizio, a Democrat from Tigard who serves in the House of Representatives for District 35, which includes portions of Washington County and Multnomah County.

Mary NolanQuestion 1
This Legislature ended up providing more money for Head Start, K-12 education, community colleges, Oregon University System, capital construction on campuses; on and on. It was a re-investment in education. Talk a little bit about some of the battles that led to the re-investing in Oregon education.
Mary NolanQuestions 2
We like to think sometimes that it’s the Democrats vs. the Republicans, because of all the bipartisan bickering that goes on, but on that subcommittee, it seemed like your Democrats and your Republicans more-or-less were in agreement about re-financing and re-funding education. Is that accurate?
Mary NolanQuestion 3
Your freshman term, 2005, was one of the longest sessions in Oregon history. Contrast that with 2007, which, at 172 days, is one of the shortest sessions Oregon has ever had. Talk a little about the differences between the marathon of ’05 and this pretty-smoothly flowing 2007 session.
Mary NolanQuestion 4
You voted for two key pieces of gay rights legislation this year. When we look back at 2007, we’re going to remember this as one of the key bills; or two of the key bills, that passed. Can you talk a little bit about why you think that’s an important thing to have accomplished?
Mary NolanQuestion 5
You were named to the Emergency Board, which is sort of like a mini Legislature that meets when the regular Legislature is not in session, to handle budget issues. Talk a little bit about that process. How does that work?
Mary NolanQuestion 6
Voters in November of this year, 2007, are going to be asked to look at changing Measure 37, and also to be asked to increase the cigarette tax for the Healthy Kids Initiative. Talk a little bit about why this is going to the voters, rather than the Legislature handling it, and whether or not you’re a fan of that process.
Mary NolanQuestion 7
Looking ahead, we are going to have an even-numbered-year legislative session. We are meeting in February 2008. In statehood, Oregon has never met in an even-numbered year. Are you a fan of going to annual sessions?
Mary NolanQuestion 8
You talked about a citizen Legislature: When you’re being a lawmaker, you also teach, you’re a teacher right here at Portland Community College. Does being an educator color how well you do the other job? How you be a lawmaker?