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Welcome
to my website. I’m glad you’re here. I’m Rob Cornilles, and I
want to represent all Oregonians living in the First
Congressional District. Let me share with how, together, we
can lead a “movement to a better Oregon.”
But first, some of you, I’m sure, are visiting our website
because you want to know who I am, what I’ve accomplished that
qualifies me for your consideration, and why a person with no
previous aspiration to be in public office would step away
from his private life to serve you in Washington.
To begin, I’m proud to say that I’m a native Oregonian—born in
Portland, raised in Washington and Yamhill Counties. I’ve been
married to my high school sweetheart, Allison, for 23 years
and we’ve been blessed with three great sons, ages 19, 16, and
13.
Recently, as my youngest and I were watching a news program
about the unprecedented and rapid rate of spending we’ve seen
out of Washington of late, as well as the growing and
debilitating debt we’re accumulating, it became uncomfortably
quiet, and he turned to me and asked, “Dad, am I going to have
to pay for that?”
Now, whether you have kids or grandkids, or you’re single or a
student, an innocent question like that should stop you in
your tracks. I could have answered, “Yeah. Get over it, kid.
Let’s go shoot hoops!” But I quickly realized that we adults
aren’t acting like … well, adults. How can we give anything to
our kids and grandkids if there’s nothing left to give—except
a deepening debt that will take decades to climb out of?
Let’s go back a few years. In 1995 I started a company called
Game Face, headquartered in Tualatin, which our family has
called home the last 16 years. Working hard with many
tremendous and dedicated colleagues, Game Face has been able
to do things I never dreamed of when I began my business.
While some thought the idea of becoming a business advisor to
professional sports teams was pioneering or inventive, others
thought I’d be lucky to survive running a business in Oregon
when most of my clients would be elsewhere. But we’ve gone
from a simple idea to becoming the leader in our industry—all
the while remaining firmly rooted in Oregon. No one has worked
side by side with more young or seasoned, struggling and
successful sports executives than I have. Even diverse
industries like manufacturing, bio-tech, finance, retail and
media have adopted my approach in bringing business and the
customer together.
In addition, I’m just as proud of the fact that Game Face has
been directly involved in helping more than 500 individuals
secure full-time jobs—in fact, careers—within ours and many
other industries. Though most were struggling to find work
when they first came to us, Game Face has been able to tap
into the trust we’ve built with employers and bring the two
sides together to produce a mutually beneficial, productive
relationship.
In other words, unlike too many politicians who boast of
creating temporary or part-time jobs for the unemployed, I’ve
demonstrated an ability to create sustainable careers for
people—and families—all over the country. This real-life
know-how is what I can bring to Congress.
At 45, I’ve been pretty busy raising a family, earning a
living, and getting involved in my local community to do much
politically. Maybe like you, the most I did was talk back to
the TV or mutter about “those people back in Washington” at
backyard barbecues.
But now, I’m getting off the couch and doing something. As a
Republican, I come into this fully aware that our party
doesn’t have a monopoly on good ideas. Each party or group or
persuasion has made significant contributions to our nation’s
dialogue and made us stronger.
But I gotta tell ya, I’m already kind of amused how those who
think they should oppose me because I have an ‘R’ next to my
name want to stereotype or categorize me to fit their own
preconceptions. I’m a “fat-cat corporate guy,” or a
“mean-spirited employer who wants to get rich off the backs of
his workers.” Or a “tax-hater.”
All of these are witty labels and make for interesting
soundbites, but if you’re like me, you’re kind of sick of
old-school political tactics. We have to have an honest
discussion of ideas and solutions. As a problem-solver, I’ve
always found it’s a lot more productive to find common ground
than to tell the other guy he’s crazy.
Now, that’s not to say I don’t have strong—even
stark—disagreements with my opponent. In fact, not only do I
disagree with many of the things he’s done that have put
Oregon further behind in this global economy, but the closer I
study his record and meager accomplishments—in our name—the
more I’m convinced he doesn’t reflect the people and talent
found in the counties of District One.
Can we do better? We have to! We’re currently one of the
lowest employed states in the nation! Are we better than what
we’re getting from Washington? Absolutely! Have we given the
current Representative enough time to produce results? As a
business owner, I know if you can’t produce after 10 years,
it’s time for a change!
That’s why I want to step up and be your Representative. I’ve
proven throughout my career that reasoned consensus is better
than ideological maneuvering.
It’s impossible to suggest that you and I always agree on the
decisions I make as your Congressman. (My family can’t even
agree sometimes where to get a hamburger.) But you should
know—and I think you’ll see throughout this campaign—that my
leadership style is cooperative. I believe that for every dime
we spend, we should have a sure way of getting it back; that
you don’t reduce debilitating debt by going further into it;
that all Americans should be able to earn an honest pay for an
honest day’s work; that only when small businesses – and their
workers – are strong do our schools and parks and our
environment receive the attention and help they need. That
there’s nothing liberal or conservative in looking after each
other and finding ways to make sure each person has access to
affordable health care and an outstretched hand to meet their
full potential.
These things aren’t liberal, conservative, independent – or
anything else. They’re just Oregonian. Responsible action is
what we badly need—and what you’ll get if you grant me the
privilege.
So, check out the other parts of our website. And know that as
the campaign unfolds, you’ll see more of my positions and
ideas to bring Oregon back.
I’m optimistic! I always have been. We have some of the
greatest, most creative people and natural resources the
country has to offer. It’s time we reflect that in Congress.
And if you’d like to join me in this “movement to a better
Oregon” click on the links here and volunteer, or contribute
anything you can. Every little bit helps!
Together, we can tell our kids and grandkids that back during
the election of 2010, we did something to make our state – and
the future – better!
Thank you. I’m Rob Cornilles. Let’s do this! |
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