A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Evan Jensen / Estacada News
State Representative District 51 democratic candidate Brent Barton talks about running for office during the Estacada Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week at Cisco Kid Restaurant.
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Brent Barton grew up in Newport, Ore., hearing stories from his father and grandfather about the logging town of Estacada. As a kid, his earliest memories of this community were based on tales of lawlessness and bar fights that emulated something out of an old western. But that didn’t keep the 28-year-old democratic challenger and District 51 State Representative candidate from visiting Estacada last week.
Barton was the guest speaker at the Estacada Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at Cisco Kid, 150 S.W. Frontage Road, on Wednesday. He addressed a lunchtime crowd of about 20 people in attendance, discussing education, healthcare, energy, taxes and other issues, in addition to his interest in running for the position currently held by incumbent State Rep. Linda Flores, R-Clackamas.
“It’s imperative that my generation of people under the age of 35 get involved and start showing a little leadership in political discourse,” Barton said. “Our country has always been an example of innovation. We’ve always dreamed and thought differently than anyone else. … We need to think of new ideas, and that’s why it’s imperative that young people get involved. New ideas for this country need to come from my generation.”
After graduating from high school in Newport, Barton earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Stanford University. He worked for Clackamas County Commissioner, Congresswoman Darlene Hooley, studied politics at Cambridge University and later graduated from Harvard Law School.
Barton worked as a criminal prosecutor during law school and returned to Oregon two years ago. He worked closely with leaders in Clackamas County and current Governor Ted Kulongoski. Barton is, at present, an attorney who specializes in complex business problems and dispute resolution. New to politics, Barton decided to challenge Flores for the state legislator position after discussing the opportunity with Kulongoski.
“I have a number of political mentors, and people I talked to about doing this,” Barton said. “We don’t always see eye to eye on issues, but the governor is one of the people who talked me into making a run for the legislature. He’s a great source of advice.”
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