John Nelsen Announces Campaign for State Representative

Press Release from Friends of John Nelsen

Reynolds School Board Chair John Nelsen announced this week that he has entered the race for Oregon State Representative in House District 49. “I am running to make sure that our community receives the resources needed to ensure effective schools and nurturing, safe neighborhoods in which our kids and families can thrive.”

Nelsen, director of a youth education and employment program at Mt Hood Community College, is a longtime resident of the Rockwood neighborhood where he and his wife Victoria have raised their four children. “I love my community” Nelsen said, but added, “the Legislature must do more to address growing crime rates in our neighborhoods.”

“Rockwood has one of the highest crime rates in the state, and I believe East County needs additional resources to make our community safer,” Nelsen said. “Sometimes it seems that East County is overlooked. I’m going to Salem to be a strong advocate for the needs and interests of families, neighborhoods, and schools in District 49.”

Nelsen said he’ll utilize his nine years of experience on the Reynolds School Board and his twenty years working with Oregon’s public education system to increase educational opportunities for students in his district and throughout the state. He added, “all kids deserve a quality education, and the state must do better to prepare them for the future.”

Nelsen is seeking the seat being vacated by Rep. Karen Minnis (R-Wood Village), who is retiring after five terms. “I am excited to have John running for this position,” Rep. Minnis said. “With his wealth of experience in the community and in education he will be a great asset to the Legislature.”