If you're like me, you've been frustrated the last few years with where things are going for our families and the decisions politicians make that hurt our future.

We're stuck in a war for oil that has cost tens of thousands of lives and wasted countless billions of dollars. Ethics scandals grow, but corporate lobbyists keep buying access and selling out regular people.

The priorities we share -- quality public schools and colleges, providing good health care to every Oregonian, creating more family wage jobs and protecting our environment - get lost in political gridlock.

Thanks to the new Democratic majority in the State House, we saw major progress this past session. But there's much more left to be done. With Representative Jackie Dingfelder leaving to run for the Senate, we need to make sure Northeast Portland continues to have a true progressive leader as our voice for change in Salem. That's why I've decided to run for State Representative in House District 45.

My background, my leadership experience, my record of integrity, and my commitment to progressive causes all make this the right decision.

In my years as an educator at Portland Community College's Cascade Campus, I've seen where our need for academic change is greatest. We need to provide all Oregonians with a college education at an affordable price. As Faculty Advisor to the State Board of Education, I've drawn on my experience to help build a public education system that allows our children to move seamlessly from pre-K through college.

As President of PCC's Faculty Union, I've fought for better treatment for Oregon's workers and a health care system that serves all Oregonians. As State Representative I will fight for high-quality, affordable health care that provides universal coverage -- even for part time and temporary workers. And I'll push to make Oregon a state where we truly value the independence and dignity of all our senior citizens.

My wife Kiki and I raised our son and daughter in Portland's Alameda/Irvington neighborhood, where we've lived for 21 years. We now have two lovely grandchildren. I'm running for State Representative to make sure that we step boldly forward with progressive solutions that keep Oregon at the forefront and make sure every Oregon child gets a real chance.

I hope you'll join the fight for bold, progressive leadership in Salem. I'd be honored to have your support in this campaign for the future of Oregon. Please visit www.michaeldembrow.com to learn more about my campaign.

Michael Dembrow
Democrat for State Representative
House District 45