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<h4>1. Question: With the economy in the tank for young families with no stock portfolio just trying to buy food and fuel, as a state senator what tools of government would you apply to help them? Cam Patterson, Ashland</h4>Jim’s answer:If you work and pay taxes but still are falling behind because of the rising costs of groceries, rent, childcare, utilities, and fuel, the State can—and should—help by letting you keep more of the money you earned.To accomplish that I’d dedicate $125 million annually to provide about a $1,000 Oregon income tax credit for lower-income working taxpayers.With such a credit we could help people who work and pay Oregon income taxes—but are still squeezed by rising costs—keep more of what they earned.I believe that such targeted relief would make a real difference for families who are doing everything right but still struggle to get ahead.Hopefully this answers your question but, if it doesn't, please let me know.Finally, if you have other ideas on how to help struggling young Oregonians I would love to hear them.<h4>2. Question: Why in the world would you have a website that does not contain your email address, and why would the question be restricted to 255 characters? Come on, Jim. You are sabotaging your own campaign. I wanted to send you an advance copy of a blog post. Peter Sage, Medford</h4>Jim’s Answer:Regarding my email address I was relying on the “Ask Jim a Question” tab, but I agree it should have also been on the “Contact” tab so I have added it there. FYI it’s: <a href="mailto:Jim@CraryForOregonSenate.org">Jim@CraryForOregonSenate.org</a>255 characters is the limit set by RUN (the website designer). I think 255 characters are sufficient to ask most questions, but I am also checking to see if the website will permit me to increase the number. In addition, I call every questioner before I answer their question so, if they want to add some context to their question they can do so then. Thanks for the feedback.Jim<h4>3. Question: I am a 77 y.o. low-income senior citizen living on Social Security. I pay no federal income tax but every year I have to pay Oregon income tax. Why is that? Jim Meissner, Ashland.</h4>Jim’s Answer:I don’t know your exact income, so I’ll answer generally. The short answer is that this is a policy decision.The federal government has chosen not tax Social Security for many lower-income seniors. Oregon, however, uses different rules. Oregon’s taxable income thresholds are lower, and its exemptions for seniors are more limited. As a result, income that is not taxed federally (e.g. yours) may still be taxed by Oregon. So even though your income is low enough to owe nothing federally, it may still be high enough for Oregon to treat part of it as taxable.I hope this answers your question. If not—or if you have others—please let me know.Jim Cell: 541-531-2912<h4>4. Question: How will the theoretical $100M be appropriated to ODOT to ensure O&amp;M is prioritized? In reading the ODOT 2026 Transportation Funding Update, it appears 130 jobs will be left vacant with $78.2M reductions to the State Highway Fund. Thank you. Baker McDonald, Ashland.</h4>Jim’s Answer:As you point out, the current ODOT funding plan cuts $78 million, leaves over 130 positions vacant, and shifts money from other programs. That’s not a winning long-term strategy—it’s a short-term “limp along” strategy.If we’re going to dedicate $100 million to ODOT to maintain and fix our roads and bridges, then that money must actually be used for that purpose. In plain terms: if we say it’s for road repair, it must only be used for road repair—period.That’s why the $100 million must be protected by statutory guardrails. To do that, I would create a legally restricted subaccount requiring that the $100 million:<ul><li>Be used only for “fix-it” maintenance—roads, bridges, and backlog reduction. No new projects and no administrative overhead.</li><li>Cannot replace existing funding, it must add to current maintenance spending, not backfill cuts.</li><li>Be equitably distributed statewide, including rural highways (like Highway 66), so it isn’t all absorbed by the I-5 and I-84 corridors.</li><li>Dedicate at least 25% to frontline staffing, with priority hiring for:<ul><li>Maintenance crews</li><li>Snow and ice response drivers</li><li>Bridge and pavement teams</li></ul></li></ul>Because the reality is simple: You can appropriate all the money you want—but if you don’t have the people to do the work, the roads and bridges won’t get fixed.If we do this right, $100 million won’t just keep the system from slipping further, it will start rebuilding it.I hope this answers your question. If not—or if you have others—please let me know.Jim Cell: 541-531-2912<h4>5. Question: We have made progress on wildfire mitigation in Jackson County Oregon. The exception is building codes and zoning. The County seems to be sitting on its hands. Is State legislation the right carrot/stick to drag Jackson County into the 21st century? Rich Fairbanks, Jacksonville</h4>Jim’s Answer:The short answer is: Yes—but only if it’s done wisely.Oregon already controls the statewide building code, so the state has the power to set minimum standards for wildfire resilience. However, the State learned a hard lesson from its heavy-handed roll-out of SB 762. When SB 762 was rolled out, many property owners feared it would lower property values and make insurance harder to obtain. The backlash from those property owners was swift and strong enough that the Legislature:<ul><li>Repealed the wildfire hazard map and related mandates;</li><li>Shifted to voluntary model codes; and</li><li>Gave counties the option to adopt—or ignore—key standards.</li></ul>I think that that experience, and the fact that there is no real penalty for maintaining the status quo, explains why the Jackson County commissioners have not acted.The State should take a targeted carrot-and-stick approach by:1. Tying funding to action. Counties respond much quicker to money than mandates. So, State grants for wildfire mitigation, infrastructure, or insurance stabilization should be explicitly tied to a county’s adoption of basic standards for:<ul><li>Fire-resistant construction materials</li><li>Ember-resistant vents</li><li>Secondary access/egress</li><li>Adequate on-site water supply</li></ul>2. Setting a statewide floor—not a ceiling Require minimum 100’ of defensible space around structures and ignition-resistant construction statewide, while allowing local governments to go further if they desire.3. Use insurance as the pressure point The real driver here is insurance. If the state:<ul><li>Required insurers to recognize mitigation-compliant homes, and</li><li>Offered a backstop only in counties that adopt basic standards</li></ul>That would create an immediate, bottom-up, positive pressure from homeowners.4. Keeping zoning changes narrow and focused (This is where SB 762 went too far) Retroactive rules on existing homes will not work for many reasons (Cost being the primary one) so focus zoning changes only on new development in high-risk wildfire areas. That approach is far more defensible politically and far more effective in the long term.Bottom line: California takes a top-down approach—setting mandatory statewide standards that local jurisdictions can add to but cannot weaken. That model is effective, but politically much harder to implement.I would start with the carrots of financial incentives and clear minimum standards. If counties still refuse to act, then a California stick approach would be justified.I hope this answers your question. If not—or if you have others—please let me know.Jim Cell: 541-531-2912<h4>6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Question: Hi Jim! As I'm sure you know, right now is a particularly tense time in America for LGBTQ+ people. OR is also estimated to have one of the biggest LGBTQ+ population. How do you plan to handle LGBTQ+ issues on both national and statewide levels? Joseph Sahr, Jacksonville</h4>Jim’s Answer:My approach is simple: Everyone should be treated equally under the law and left alone to live their lives without government interference unless there’s a compelling reason to do otherwise.Oregon has strong nondiscrimination laws in housing, employment, healthcare, and public accommodations. I would strongly oppose any effort to roll those protections back. I would also make sure those laws are enforced when violations occur—because rights without enforcement are meaningless. If there are disconnects between what the law promises and what people experience, that’s where I’d focus my attention and efforts.At the national level, this issue has become increasingly polarized. Regardless of what happens federally, Oregon should remain a place where people are treated fairly, protected under the law, and not used as political pawns.I hope this answers your question. If not—or if you have others—please let me know.Jim Cell: 541-531-2912

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Party:&nbsp;DemocratOccupation:&nbsp;RetiredOccupational Background:&nbsp;LegalEducational Background:&nbsp;J.D. &amp; B.B.APrior Governmental Experience:&nbsp;U.S. ArmyOregonians are working hard — but too many are still falling behind. Groceries, utilities, rent, and childcare all keep going up.My #1 priority is Affordability (provide money to Oregonians who need it most).To do that, I'd dedicate $125 million annually to provide up to $1,000 in Oregon income tax relief for eligible working taxpayers. This is not a " handout " — rather it’s a "hand up" for people doing their best to get ahead.Priority #2: Sustainability of Oregon’s InfrastructureThe ODOT is facing a $242 million shortfall. If we don't act, we'll see: - More road deterioration - Delayed repairs and improvements - Reduced Winter maintenance - Higher vehicle repair costsDelaying maintenance saves money in the short term, but it dramatically increases long-term costs. I'd dedicate $100 million to stabilize ODOT’s budget and protect the infrastructure we all rely on. Safe, well-maintained roads are not optional — they are essential.How We Pay for It — Without Cutting Existing ProgramsOregon has the lowest beer and wine taxes in the nation because we have no sales tax, and excise taxes have not changed in more than 40 years.Today: - Oregon's tax on a 12-ounce beer is less than one penny (.79¢). - Oregon's tax on a 5-ounce glass of wine is less than 3 cents (2.6¢).I'd update the excise tax to 25¢ per drink.&nbsp;This would generate ~ $306 million annually in new revenue — without cutting any current services. Even at that level, Oregon would only move from last place to the middle of the pack on beer and wine taxes.Responsible adults will still be able to enjoy a beer or a glass of wine. But after four decades without adjustment, it’s reasonable to finally adjust these rates to reflect today’s economy.Questions or concerns? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://CraryForOregonSenate.org">CraryForOregonSenate.org</a>&nbsp;and use the Q&amp;A tab or call/text me at 541-531-2912. I will respond.(This information furnished by James (Jim) Crary.)

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<img src="https://run.imgix.net/da705c9e-d1b8-40d0-81db-709e841b053b/a69be0c2-c7f0-41f3-82ff-6e7ea57f6743/a69be0c2-c7f0-41f3-82ff-6e7ea57f6743.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3435%2C2859&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Working in the woods" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Working in the woods<h2>My name is Jim Crary, and I want to serve as your State senator in Oregon’s Third District.</h2>I live in the Greensprings, about 18 miles east of Ashland, with my wife, Dianna.I have four adult children, three of whom are teachers in Oregon.I was board member on the Greensprings Rural Fire Department and am currently serving on the Pinehurst School Board.I am a veteran, having served in the US Army.I am retired from a thirty-three-year career in law and procurement, where I specialized in contracts. I spend a lot of time in the woods pruning, thinning, cutting and burning slash (when it's not fire season).To see Jim's stump speech, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvkXrGPJ5Qc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">click here</a>.

<h2>If you’re reading this, you’re probably trying to decide whether I deserve your vote. That’s good!</h2>I believe that running for office should be like a job interview — conducted by the voters. Voters, with their votes, are “hiring” someone to represent them in Salem. To help hire the best person to represent you in the Oregon Senate you need to ask the candidates questions about what they want to do if elected. This is why I created this tab on my website where any registered voter in Senate District 3 can submit a question to me, and where I will answer it publicly and in writing.Most campaigns ask for your vote and your money. Very few invite your questions — and then answer them publicly and in writing, for all to see. I will.Voters deserve more than broad slogans like “cut waste,” “improve education,” or “bring common sense to government.” You deserve clear answers to your questions and specific proposals to deal with issues. My Q &amp; A tab, on this website, will do both.Before I post your question and my answer, I will call you to confirm your identity. This ensures that questions come from real voters in Senate District 3 and that no one is speaking for you without your permission. Your phone number and email address will not be shared or used for any other purpose.So, ask your question. Compare my answer with the other candidates running. See who gives you a straight response — and who doesn’t. That comparison will tell you everything you need to know when you cast your ballot.I look forward to receiving and answering your questions.Finally, if you disagree with something I say on this website or in an answer to a question, please tell me why you disagree. I don’t claim to have a monopoly on good ideas. If someone presents a better solution, I am more than open to reconsidering my position.To ask me a question please fill in the information requested below. I will post your question and my response on the <a href="/e6b1b44b-f1f6-42b7-9e24-e4b80e427243">'Questions and Answers' page</a>. I will identify you ONLY by name and city. I will NOT add you to any mailing list!

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If you are willing to donate to my campaign — thank you. I very much appreciate that.Financial contributions help me reach voters and spread my message across Senate District 3.But, there is nothing more powerful or effective than a personal endorsement from a trusted friend or family member to really reach voters and spread our message across Senate District 3. So, if instead of giving money you choose to give a few minutes of your time, I would value that just as much. Call or message two friends or family members. Tell them you’re voting for me for the Oregon State Senate, District 3 — and why. That kind of personal outreach is far more persausive than any paid advertisement.And please let them know this as well: On my website, they can <a href="/61cc4eec-cf59-4e3b-9bd4-4fc49c47ec85">ask me</a> questions directly — and I will give them a straight answer. I’m not just asking for their votes. I’m asking for their questions too.Thank you for your support,Jim

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<h2>Privacy Policy – Jim Crary for Oregon Senate (District 3) Effective Date: February 24, 2026</h2>The Jim Crary for Oregon Senate campaign (“we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you may provide through our website.<h3>1. Information We Collect</h3>We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:<ul><li>Contact Jim Crary through the website</li><li>Submit a question or comment</li><li>Sign up for campaign updates</li><li>Volunteer</li><li>Make a contribution</li></ul>This information may include:<ul><li>Name</li><li>Email address</li><li>Phone number</li><li>Mailing address</li><li>Any message or information you choose to provide</li></ul>We may also automatically collect limited technical information such as:<ul><li>IP address</li><li>Browser type</li><li>Pages visited on our website</li><li>Date and time of access</li></ul><h3>2. How We Use Your Information</h3>We use your information only to:<ul><li>Respond to your questions or requests</li><li>Provide campaign updates</li><li>Process contributions</li><li>Coordinate volunteer activities</li><li>Improve website functionality</li><li>Comply with applicable election laws and reporting requirements</li></ul>We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.<h3>3. Disclosure of Information</h3>We may share your information only:<ul><li>With trusted service providers that assist with website hosting, email communications, or donation processing</li><li>As required by Oregon campaign finance reporting laws</li><li>When required by law or legal process</li></ul><h3>4. Donations and Public Reporting</h3>Campaign contributions may be subject to public disclosure under Oregon law. Information such as your name, address, employer, and occupation may be reported to the Oregon Secretary of State as required.<h3>5. Cookies and Analytics</h3>Our website may use cookies or analytics tools to understand website usage and improve performance. You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies if you prefer.<h3>6. Data Security</h3>We take reasonable steps to protect the information you provide. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is completely secure.<h3>7. Your Choices</h3>You may opt out of campaign emails at any time by using the unsubscribe link included in our messages or by contacting us directly.<h3>8. Contact Us</h3>If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is used, please contact:Jim Crary for Oregon Senate (District 3) info@CraryForOregonSenate.org [Campaign Mailing Address]This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

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<h3>See Jim's Candidate Statement</h3>You will soon be receiving your Official Voter's Pamphlet for the Oregon Primary Election. <a href="/9d4aa37d-f7e0-4eca-9f78-01089056b932">Click here </a>to see Jim's official statement.<h3>Hear Jim's Radio Interview</h3>Jim spends an hour visiting KSKQ's Jason Houk on the "We the People" broadcast. <a href="https://archive.org/details/we-the-people-202604080900" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here</a> to listen. Jim's interview starts at the 3:15 mark.<h3>See Jim participate in the Candidate's Forum </h3><a href="https://www.jcdemocrats.org/voter-info/sd3-candidates" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here</a> to listen to Jim and 4 other candidates discuss the issues in a forum sponsored by the Jackson County Democrats.

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Too many hardworking, lower income, Oregonians are falling behind economically. Groceries, utilities, rent, childcare - all cost more. Helping these fellow Oregonians is my number one priority.How do I propose to help these Oregonians? Here is how:I propose dedicating $125 million annually to provide up to $1,000 in Oregon income tax relief for eligible low income working taxpayers.This relief is focused on people who:<ul><li>Work hard</li><li>Pay taxes</li><li>Play by the rules</li><li>Yet still struggle to get ahead</li></ul>This would not be a handout; it would be a hand up.

Too many hardworking, lower income, Oregonians are falling behind economically. Groceries, utilities, rent, childcare - all cost more. Helping these fellow Oregonians is my number one priority.

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Transportation infrastructure is not optional government spending. It is a core public responsibility that allows people to get to work safely, businesses to move goods efficiently and communities to stay connected. When the system works, Oregon’s economy works. When it fails, everyone pays the price. Bottom line, safe, readily driven roads are essential to our daily life and a healthy economy.Our roads are at risk because the Oregon Department of Transportation is facing a $242 million shortfall.If we fail to address this shortfall the results will be:<ul><li>More potholes and road deterioration</li><li>Delayed repairs and improvements</li><li>Reduced winter maintenance</li><li>Higher repair costs for families</li></ul>Delaying maintenance may save money in the short term — but in the long run it costs far more.I would dedicate $100 million to help stabilize ODOT’s budget and protect the infrastructure we all rely on.

Safe, readily driven roads are essential to our daily life and a healthy economy.Good safe roads are necessary for both everyday life and a healthy economy. Our roads are at risk because the Oregon Department of Transportation is facing a $242 million shortfall.If we fail to address this shortfall the results will be:

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<img src="https://run.imgix.net/da705c9e-d1b8-40d0-81db-709e841b053b/0519b494-3429-4801-80df-81b66a398dd3/0519b494-3429-4801-80df-81b66a398dd3.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=84%2C159%2C500%2C456&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">Unlike many proposals, my priorities will not take any money from existing State revenues nor will it necessitate an increase in fuel or income taxes. Instead, my plan relies on modernizing two existing tax rates that have not kept pace with reality.In 2021 a legislative task force issued a report that estimated excessive alcohol use in Oregon, in 2019, cost the State $2.6 billion. That same year beer and wine taxes totalled $18,300,000. That would be analagous to someone causing you to incur a $1,000 repair cost and giving you just $7!Oregon has the lowest beer and wine taxes in the nation (including the District of Columbia). The reasons are that Oregon has no sales tax on either beer or wine and the excise taxes on both of those have remained unchanged for over 40 years.Today:<ul><li>The state excise tax on a 12-ounce beer is less than 1¢ (.79¢).</li><li>The tax on a 5-ounce glass of wine is less than 3¢ (2.6¢).</li></ul>I propose updating those two excise taxes to 25¢ per drink.Even at that level, Oregon would only move from last place to the middle of the pack — and responsible adults will still be able to enjoy a beer or a glass of wine.Also, these two very simple changes would not cause any increase in State government employment or costs but would generate approximately $306,000,000 annually in new revenue!That $306,000,000 in new revenue will help:<ul><li>Lower income working Oregonians</li><li>Stabilize transportation funding</li><li>Avoid additional increases to income or gas taxes</li><li>Protect infrastructure</li><li>Avoid cuts to other existing State programs</li></ul>Oregon is strongest when working people can afford to live here. That’s my focus. That’s my priority.Protecting Small Wineries and MicrobreweriesI support Oregon’s wine and beer craft industry.So, for:<ul><li>Microbreweries producing under 155,000 gallons annually and</li><li>Wineries producing under 10,000 cases annually</li></ul>I would propose a lower excise rate of just 5 cents per drink.If you have questions or concerns, use the QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS tab on this website. I will respond.

Unlike many proposals, my priorities will not take any money from existing State revenues. Instead, my plan relies on modernizing two existing tax rates that have not kept pace with reality.

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Affordability for Working Oregonians, Protecting Roads and Bridges, 

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