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www.ohca.com
Fall/Winter 2016
The Oregon Caregiver
23
Profile
funding for seniors. I don’t know any
session I’ve been in where that isn’t a
challenge and an issue for us. Also for
me, it’s trying to make certain that we
don’t put in policies or regulations that
strangle innovation and development of
growth in long term care. I always worry
that sometimes we here in this building
get caught up in micromanaging and that
we overprescribe.
Senator Courtney, we know you
spoke at the ground-breaking at the
Oregon Veterans' Home in Lebanon.
What was that experience like?
SC:
I was astounded by the facility
and I couldn’t believe how great it was.
I said, "This is what they deserve." I was
very proud of Oregon that day and so
proud to be an Oregonian.
Despite being in different political
parties, it’s well known that you
respect each other. What is your
working relationship like?
SW:
My colleague, Peter, seems to
have a lot of trust in what I do, and I,
too, have a high regard and respect for
him and his desire to be fair, his care and
feeding of this institution that we care so
much about. So as a result he knows that
if I say I’m going to do something, I’m
going to do it. I haven’t had a policy that
I’ve wanted to do where he’s questioned
as to why I’m doing it. Peter is just a tad
bit younger than me so we are both a
part of the chronologically advantaged
group and we've both seen and been
involved in a lot of policy-making in this
state. So we both have a heart for seniors
and the most vulnerable in our society.
And I think that existed before we both
became chronologically advantaged. It’s
the recognition that we know we have a
responsibility to those that have come
before us to make certain that they are
taken care of.
SC:
I'm always amazed with Senator
Winters with how profound she is and
how well she knows the issues. She has
so much wisdom. There's nothing you
can talk with her about that she can’t
speak volumes on in a very caring,
compassionate, and learned way.
Everyone else is playing catchup with
Jackie Winters and she has been here,
executing her vision, since long before
many people.
What should younger legislators
and young people in general know
about being successful in their work?
SW:
If they don't build relationships
and trust they won’t be able to get things
done. Another important thing is that if
you don't care who gets the credit you’ll
get a lot more accomplished.
SC:
Listen. You’re probably not going
to know much, even though you think
you are, for quite a few sessions. Try
to really respect the role of the public
policy maker. You are making policies
that affect people’s lives every day. It’s the
greatest professional calling in the world.
You have an obligation to make it work
and to meet other people half way.
Senator Bates (left) and Senator Courtney.
Senator Jackie Winters speaks on the Senate floor.