Gov. Brown, Sen. Merkley react to Trump victory

Two of Oregon’s top Democrats, Governor Kate Brown and Sen. Jeff Merkley, offered “profound” reactions Wednesday to Donald Trump’s election — one of disappointment, the other of concern.

Here’s the governor’s statement:

“As a human being, I can only say that I am profoundly concerned about the future of our country. In the wake of this divisive election, the President-Elect’s first task should be to unite our country and preserve the ideals that truly make it great – including justice and equal rights for all people.

“But as Governor of Oregon, it is clear to me that we must focus our efforts on coming together to make Oregon the best it can be.

“We cannot allow the interests of those struggling to make ends meet to be placed in opposition to those striving to get ahead. The Oregon I know is full of strong, resilient people who are dedicated to helping each other to thrive, protecting our right to speak out and live without fear or intimidation, and to preserving the future of our children and the environment itself. “

Brown also released the following statement regarding her proposed 2017-19 state budget:

“In the coming days, I’ll meet with legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle to discuss budget priorities and next steps in preparation for the 2017 session.

“Following these discussions, on December 1 I’ll release a balanced budget that makes every effort to protect vulnerable Oregonians to the greatest extent possible.

“I will give priority to protecting services for children and helping lift families out of poverty. Given the severe constraints, we will still have to make a number of heartbreaking cuts.

“Looking forward, if we expect to improve our dismal high school graduation rate, help more families achieve self-sufficiency, and keep Oregonians safe and healthy, we need stable and adequate revenue.

“I call on both the proponents and opponents of Measure 97 to find common ground and develop solutions that Oregonians support. As I evaluate potential options, I’ll look for proposals that provide adequate and stable revenue, do not hurt struggling families, and bring increased fairness to Oregon’s tax system.”

And here’s Merkley’s remarks on Trump’s victory:

“I’m profoundly disappointed in last night’s results. I firmly believe that our country is better than the lowest points of the campaign that just concluded.

“To all who woke up today anxious about their place in America: I stand with you. Today it is more important than ever to stand for equality, justice and inclusion.

“I hope that as President-elect Trump assumes the mantle of leadership, he will recognize the enormous responsibility that comes with the office to build people up and bring our country together, rather than to tear down and divide.

“And if he doesn’t, I will be at the forefront of the principled opposition, standing up for our Constitutional values and our moral responsibility to respect the dignity and aspirations of all people.

“We also need to heed the powerful message that these results send about how many Americans are deeply dissatisfied with an economy that they see working for the best off but leaving them struggling.

“They are disgusted by a political process that leaps to respond to the wants of the powerful and well-connected, but year in and year out seems to ignore the needs of ordinary people.

“This election was a revolt against an economy and a political system that have left too many people feeling left out and worried for the future and we need to commit to giving opportunity to everyone — rural and urban, regardless of race and religion and gender.

“Americans are hungry for policies that give a foundation for all families to thrive. We must do everything we can to fulfill that vision and block efforts of the privileged and powerful to write rules that benefit themselves at everyone else’s expense.

“Our nation is being tested. We should never take for granted this beautiful gift of America that we received from previous generations. If we believe in a government of, by, and for the people and if we value the strength that comes from equality and diversity, we need to work for it. And that’s exactly what I’m committed to doing.”