July 2, 2000

God Bless America!   I love the Fourth of July!    Ever since I was a small child, I have loved the Fourth.  The Fourth of July, Independence Day,  symbolizes everything we as Americans are all about, and what millions of people worldwide wish they had.   Yes, the day is about an important story in the history of the world.  Independence and freedom. 

As a salute to Independence Day, the Sunday before the Fourth, an article in the Oregonian’s Parade Magazine,  highlighted war heroes.  Their words are precious.  Heroes like these are becoming fewer and fewer, and we must  heed their words before there are none left to speak these truths.

The article headline was “Something Worth Defending.”   “What is the price of freedom?” was the question posed in the article.

The unanimous response:  Freedom is not free.  One war medal recipient says, ”We paid an awful price for freedom…we cannot become complacent.” 

Their words are ones I carry with me every day.  As an elected official, it is my bounden duty to carry on the fight to preserve freedom.  To do the work of the people on your behalf, to assure your freedom, your liberty and your pursuit of happiness.  There is nothing else I can do to better serve you.  And, there is no greater tribute I can give to all those heroes who pledged and gave their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor for us.

The oath of office is pretty concise:  To uphold the United States Constitution and the Oregon state constitution; and to do so with demeanor and to impartially discharge the duties of  the office.

The constitution of the United States was established “…in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty…”  The constitution of Oregon states “…that all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness…”

Historians will tell us, however, that in order to understand the form of government we have, we must first look to the Declaration of Independence to learn and understand the Founding Fathers’ vision and the type of government the vision implied. 

If we are to uphold the constitution, we must first uphold the Declaration, which in part states,  “WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness---That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men…”

Our forefathers were pretty clear about what they were establishing and why.  Now it is our responsibility to carry on for them and our posterity.

It would follow then that government policies should first uphold the constitutions we live by.  County polices should be directed at protecting peace, safety and happiness.

From a practical standpoint, the most visible responsibility an elected official has is to approve a budget.  No, elected officials do not create the budget, they approve it, or disapprove it.  This is why policy is so important.  Budgets must be based on policy. County commissioners are the policy makers.    With good policy in place, the county administrator, who is charged with creating a budget, knows the boundaries, the goals and principles to which the dollars are allocated.  The county administrator working together with the department heads can carry out policies through the budget.

Moreover, our constitutions are about the process of government.  My job as your county commissioner is to be a keeper of the process and to protect our freedoms.  And, I have said many times before, I represent you, the citizens of Marion County.  I do not represent Marion County government.  As a constitutionalist, my votes are always votes for the people.  Votes that protect your freedoms and liberties.  Votes that protect your pursuit of happiness.

It is an honor to serve you, the people, as a keeper of the constitution.  As always, I welcome your comments, questions and concerns.  You can contact me at pmilne@open.org, or 503.588.5212.