Photo By: TMLSchrader visits local businesses
Congressman Kurt Schrader chats with Pamela Neely, owner of Spurs Western Apparel, during his visits to Molalla businesses on Jan. 5.
Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR Fifth District) made a visit to Molalla Jan. 5 to tour small businesses and discuss the state of the local economy.
The visit was part of a tour of small communities in the congressman’s district that would give him the chance to talk to the people of “Main Street.”
Schrader spent 15 minutes each at three businesses, Spurs Western Apparel, Country Insurance and Wynn Designs speaking to owners about how they were doing and what they need in order for their businesses to survive.
Typical concerns centered around jobs and financial stability amid a down economy.
After the tour of businesses was complete the congressman, along with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) who was also in town, held a 30-minute roundtable discussion at Molalla’s Main Street Pizzeria.
Schrader said his visit was an attempt to stay in touch with Main Street and learn what regular Americans want and need.
“What I’m hearing consistently is that people cannot get the loans and or credit they need to stay in business,” he said.
Because of his background, Schrader feels this is an area where he can make a difference.
“I’m a farm boy, I live on a farm, I was a large animal veterinarian forever. I’m very tuned in to rural America being part of the solution not part of the problem,” he said.
Molalla Mayor Mike Clarke and Molalla Police Chief Gerald Giger attended the open discussion along with citizens Kelly Marble, Bob Oblack and Hal Alyea.
Marble, Oblack and Alyea, who all classify themselves as Christians and conservatives, were able to talk intimately with the two politicians. The three voiced concerns with creating and keeping manufacturing jobs in America, fiscal issues, the climate change controversy and cap and trade policies.
“Even though I stand on an opposite political platform, I think the meeting went very well,” Alyea said. “They were not only responsive to our questions but they had good answers.”
Marble said, “Some of it was typical political double talk or Washington speak. But overall I think they were very responsive.”
“This was one of the most thoughtful discussions I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of,” Schrader said.