Thatcher appointed to committees

Newly elected state Rep. Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) has been named to two House committees during the 2005 legislative session.

Speaker Karen Minnis (R-Wood Village) appointed Thatcher on Dec. 17 to the Transportation and Elections Committee and the Rules Committee for the session, which convenes Jan. 10.

Last month, Minnis contacted all 59 members of the Oregon House to discuss committee preferences and legislative goals. According to a press release, assignments reflected Minnis’ desire to set a tone of bipartisan cooperation this session.

“I think all members agree that the Legislature must restore accountability and credibility to state government,” Minnis said in the press release. “It’s a long-term task, but we must start this session by working together to build a responsible and sustainable budget. I’m impressed with the attitude shown by all members of the House to do just that.”

Thatcher ran for office on a platform stressing accountability in government.

“We need to take a close look at the budgets,” she said after winning the primary. “We should be more accountable where our money is being spent and where it’s going. If we can’t afford it, we shouldn’t be buying it – or look for something else to cut that’s less important.”

Thatcher, a 39-year-old mother of four and owner of KT Construction, was backed by the Oregon Citizens for a Sound Economy, the group that helped overturn Measure 30, and Your Kids, Your Schools, an advocacy group for school reform.