Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 12:00 am
Bruce Cuff of Stayton officially filed his candidacy for House District 17 on Feb. 12.
District 17 was represented by Fred Girod prior to his appointment to the State Senate.
Cuff, a Republican who was a candidate in the precinct appointment process to fill the open House seat, made it to the final three before county commissioners chose Sherrie Sprenger of Lacomb.
"In the end, I wasn't selected by the commissioners, but I was selected by my local party, and voting constituents," Cuff said. "I made a commitment to them that if there were significant issues of disagreement between myself and the final nominee that I would run for the seat in the Republican Primary."
Cuff said he will highlight the significant differences between himself and his opponent in the arena of school choice and fiscally responsible education funding.
"I have always been a strong advocate of school choice - both public and private. I believe providing our kids with the best education, whether it is at home or in a classroom, must be a top priority for any elected official," said Cuff.
"My family values are conservative and my public positions will be conservative. My wife and I have raised our four children in this rural community and I look forward to representing their interests and values in Salem," he said.
Cuff has been a residential Realtor® with Prudential Real Estate Professionals since 2001. Prior to that he worked for Superior Tire Service, Inc. Cuff served in the U.S Army from 1981 to 1985, serving the majority of his time in West Germany. Cuff also served in the Army National Guard of Oregon while completing his bachelor of science degree in political science at Willamette University.
Cuff, 47, has been a "canyon" resident of Mehama since 1990. He and his wife, Vonna, have four children.
House District 17 includes portions of eastern Linn and Marion counties.