Michael Summers, candidate for Oregon Senate 27th District
Party: Republican
Occupation: Small Business Owner; Chair, Redmond School Board, Professional Musician W/ Precious Byrd
Relevant Experience:
- Small Business Owner, Third Generation
- Chair, Redmond School Board (RSD), 2021-Present
- RSD Budget Committee
-RSD Bond Oversite Committee
RSD Contract Negotiations Committee
-Greater Bend Rotarian 2018-Present
-Redmond Chief Of Police Hiring Committee 2021
-Westside Church Council 2018-2020
- Community Leader in Veteran Housing Projects (Central Oregon Veterans Ranch)
-Annual Supporter of over 20 local non-profit organizations
Personal Information:
Born: January 6th, 1982
Age: 42
Wife: Alexis Summers, Father Of Four Daughters
Resides in: Redmond, Oregon
Website: electsummers.com
Facebook: /electsummers
Instagram: @electsummers
What qualifications and/or experience do you believe make you the best candidate to fill this position?
I have deep roots in Central Oregon, where I’ve spent my career advocating for families, small businesses, and education. As a father of four and Chair of the Redmond School Board, I’m personally committed to ensuring our schools provide the highest quality education. My experience as a small business owner gives me a firsthand understanding of the challenges our local economy faces. I've successfully united a politically diverse school board and spearheaded innovative educational reforms like the 'Science of Reading' curriculum. My ability to bring people together to solve problems is key to creating a better future for our community. I’m running to ensure that Central Oregon's voices are heard in Salem, with a focus on practical solutions that improve the lives of everyone in our region.
What are the top two issues you see facing those in this role, and how do you plan to address them?
1. Housing Affordability, Availability, and Homelessness: Central Oregon is facing a significant challenge with the rising cost and limited availability of housing. This crisis is putting immense pressure on working families, teachers, nurses, and first responders, making it harder for them to live and work in our community. As a third-generation small business owner, I understand the profound impact this has on our local economy and quality of life. I am committed to increasing the availability of affordable housing by expanding the urban growth boundary, supporting innovative solutions, and fostering public-private partnerships. Additionally, streamlining the permitting process and reducing excessive government fees will help lower costs and encourage more workforce housing projects. To address homelessness, I will implement a balanced approach that combines compassion with enforcement—ensuring that we provide necessary support for mental health and addiction services while keeping our streets safe through the enforcement of laws. My goal is to create a community where everyone has the opportunity to live, work, and thrive.
2. Inflation and the Economy: The rising cost of living is a significant concern for many families and small businesses in our community. As both a father and a small business owner, I am deeply aware of how inflation is straining budgets and making it difficult for families and businesses to thrive. I am committed to addressing these economic challenges by adopting cost-saving practices in government, improving efficiency, and implementing tax reforms to reduce the financial burden on residents and businesses. By focusing on balancing the state’s budget and eliminating unnecessary spending, we can create a more stable economic environment that supports growth and prosperity for all Oregonians.