Kristof spoke to reporters at Emerald Villages, a tiny house community for people trying to get back on their feet. He related that to his own father’s experience as a World War II refugee, and how Oregon’s sponsorship gave the elder Kristof work and an education.
“If we learn from folks who are providing examples of a way forward, then we can begin to make real difference,” he said.
Kristof enters a field with over two dozen declared gubernatorial candidates, many with the state office experience he lacks.
“But what I do bring is a career spent working with folks who’ve been elbowed aside by their governments all around the world, and doing my utmost to better their life," Kristof said. "Taking on whoever stands in the way.”
Kristof says his journalistic background lets him articulate his agenda with constituents, and noted Democrat Dick Neuberger and Republican Tom McCall were reporters who later held state office in Oregon.
Copyright 2021, KLCC.
