Coffee with Barton

State rep stops in Estacada to visit with residents

By Nolene Triska

The Estacada News, Oct 28, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Nolene Triska / Estacada News

Oregon State Rep. Brent Barton (center) listens to citizens over coffee at Barbara's Flowers, 355 N. Broadway in downtown Estacada, on Oct. 24. Barton recently announced plans to run for State Senate District 26.

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Oregon State Rep. Brent Barton (D-Clackamas) met with a dozen local citizens at Barbara’s Flowers and Coffee, 355 N. Broadway, on Saturday, Oct. 24, in a town hall-style meeting. County Commissioner Bob Austin also attended the gathering.

Barton said that he came to Estacada to get a general sense of how the community is doing, and found two issues most important to area residents. “Quality schools and the rising cost of health care — 80 percent of what I hear would fall, broadly, into those two categories,” said the 29-year-old legislator after the meeting on Saturday. “I want people to understand that their voice is heard, and that we do have a citizen legislature that works,” he said.

In September, Barton announced his candidacy for the state Senate District 26 seat that Democrat Sen. Rick Metsger currently holds, after Metsger said that he would not run for re-election.

Estacada resident Matt Shaner spoke with Barton. “He brings some youth to the job,” said Shaner, “and we’re glad to see him in office.” His wife Elissa agreed: “It’s encouraging that he’s here.”