Mannix Launches New Ad to Promote Oregon Economy

(WEST LINN) - `I`ll be Oregon`s top business recruiter," Kevin Mannix says in a new TV ad that starts today. The new ad focuses on Oregon`s unfriendly business atmosphere, saying that because of `anti-business taxes and regulations and trouble in the schools, more and more businesses are leaving Oregon."

Mannix wants voters to know Oregon is missing out on opportunities to locate and expand businesses due to the failed policies and promises of Governor Ted Kulongoski. Kulongoski came into office with bold promises to `aggressively pursue economic opportunity for the people of Oregon" and little has come of it. In fact, the opposite has occurred. Business recruitment is a top priority for Mannix, who believes the Governor must be Oregon`s number one business ambassador to achieve real success.

`I`ll go anywhere, anytime to bring new business and new jobs to Oregon," says Mannix in the ad. `As your governor, we`ll start to win the battle with Seattle."

Oregon continues losing business to other states. Kuni Cadillac moved to Vancouver, NASCAR is locating its new track in Bremerton instead of Portland, and Intel recently decided to build a $3 billion plant in Arizona rather than Oregon. Washington State has a much better track record than Oregon on international trade. For example, China exports four times more goods from Washington State than Oregon products. Washington has nine Fortune 500 companies while Oregon has one.

`Governor Kulongoski has only discouraged economic growth with his support for more taxes and more red tape," said Mannix. `Kulongoski supported the last two statewide income tax hikes (Measures 28 and 30); now he wants to eliminate the corporate tax kicker law. This sends the wrong message to business."

Mannix has fought hard to make Oregon a better place to do business. He was a leader in the Legislature to reform workers` compensation, reduce bureaucracy, and fight frivolous lawsuits. Mannix also led the fight for the Oregon Republican Party to defeat Kulongoski`s last tax increase (Measure 30).

As Governor, Mannix will lower Oregon`s capital gains tax rate (now the second highest in the country), abolish the death tax, and protect the corporate kicker. Mannix also wants to cut the regulatory red tape that strangles economic development. He proposes adding flexibility and local control to the state land use system. In addition, Mannix knows we must improve our roads.

`I have run my own small business for the past 20 years, and I know what business owners need in order to survive and thrive," explained Mannix. `Oregon needs a governor who will tell the Oregon story to bring in new businesses and new jobs. I will be that Governor."