What specific areas does Oregon House District 38 cover?

Oregon House District 38 is located in the Portland metro area and covers a substantial area, including the majority of Lake Oswego, the South Waterfront neighborhood, Dunthorp, and significant portions of Southwest Portland and areas of Tigard/Durham. Waz is committed to being a visible and accessible representative for all communities within these boundaries.

Who is John (Waz) Wasielewski, and what is his background?

John (Waz) Wasielewski is a dedicated public school teacher and proven community organizer running to represent Oregon House District 38, which includes Lake Oswego, parts of Southwest Portland, and neighboring areas. Waz has spent his career advocating for working families and students. He is challenging a sitting incumbent, a rare act in Oregon Politics, because he believes collaborative problem-solving and civic engagement is just as important in the Oregon Legislature as it is in communities to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and protect public education.

What are John (Waz) Wasielewski's core legislative priorities?

Waz's campaign is anchored by three critical pillars aimed at creating a more livable Oregon:

1. Strengthening Public Schools: Ensuring stable, predictable funding for every classroom, reducing class sizes, and providing students with the necessary resources, specifically in Lake Oswego, Riverdale, and Portland Public Schools.

2. Ensuring Safety and Support: Championing regional, coordinated strategies to address the homelessness and opioid crisis, focusing on treatment, permanent supportive housing, and robust behavioral health services for vulnerable populations.

3. Aggressively Tackling the Cost of Living: Implementing bold, innovative housing crisis solutions and ensuring the financial burden on middle- and low-income families in District 38 doesn't make life unmanageable.
   

What makes teachers, like Waz, uniquely qualified to serve in the Oregon Legislature?

A teacher's experience directly translates into effective legislative service. Teachers are adept at balancing limited resources through precise budgeting, navigating diverse viewpoints through skilled compromise and negotiation, and communicating complex ideas clearly. Waz’s years as a public school teacher mean he is deeply familiar with state budgets, administrative burdens, and the needs of working families, knowledge that is invaluable when crafting policy on education, healthcare, and the cost of living. Waz’s qualifications and experiences offer a practical, results-oriented perspective often missing in the Capitol.

Is John (Waz) Wasielewski the first openly Gay candidate for this seat?

Yes, John (Waz) Wasielewski is proud to be an openly Gay individual who has lived and worked in Oregon for years. His identity informs his deep commitment to equity and building a truly inclusive Oregon for everyone. While his campaign is focused on universal issues like the cost of living and education that affect all District 38 families, he is dedicated to bringing a voice that ensures fair policy decisions and protection of rights for all LGBTQ+ individuals across the state.