Listening to Oregon
If Oregonians Want to Leave, We Should Ask Why
When an Oregonian feels like the only way to be heard is to leave the state they’ve always called home, that’s not their failure, that’s a failure of leadership.
Several rural counties have voted to join Idaho. Some call it a political stunt. James sees it as a cry for respect.
Understanding the Greater Idaho Movement
Communities ready to leave Oregon altogether. The Greater Idaho movement isn’t about politics, it’s about being heard.
Rural Oregonians' Concerns Are Real:
Overregulation: Gun restrictions in counties with almost no crime. Climate rules that punish family farms.
Economic Neglect: Agriculture and forestry overshadowed by urban-focused policies.
Political Division: Rural voices treated as obstacles, not partners.
JAMES’ PLAN FOR RURAL OREGON
Adaptive Laws: Gun laws that respect low-crime rural counties where responsible gun ownership is a way of life. Land use rules that make sense for farming and ranching, not just urban planning. Climate policies focused on wildfire prevention, not punishing small farms.
Stronger Rural Economies: Invest in small-town infrastructure, roads, broadband, and healthcare access. Support farmers, ranchers, and timber workers who are the backbone of rural Oregon. Expand apprenticeships to keep young people in their communities.
Permanent Rural Advisory Councils: Every region deserves a seat at the table, with rural concerns directly represented in Salem every day. Regional councils from every part of Oregon will have direct input on policies that affect their communities, before those policies are passed.
We Don’t Divide Oregon, We Unite It
“Rural Oregon doesn’t need permission to leave. It needs a reason to stay. Let’s give them one.”
