In 1992, the Oregon Values and Beliefs Survey was launched. The goal was both simple and innovative – get an in-depth picture of what Oregonians really think, really value and really believe.
To that end, they were asked some fundamental questions. They were asked to list their priorities for themselves and their families. They were asked what they wanted for their communities and from their elected officials. They were asked what matters to them and what they envision for the future.
Their answers predicted many of the policy changes of the following decade.
In 1992, for example, Oregonians were deeply concerned with crime and public safety issues. Two years later, they passed Measure 11, the mandatory minimum sentencing initiative. And in 1992, school quality was the top educational concern. At that time, statewide standards as the result of the Oregon Education Act were still in development.
Now, a decade later, we have gone back to Oregonians with the same
questions - and a few new ones.
Some things have remained the same. Now, as then, family comes first to Oregonians from Pendleton to Portland, from Medford to Bend. Quality public education and adequate healthcare remain top priorities.
Other concerns have shifted. Oregonians today say they feel safer than they did 10 years ago and they are much more satisfied with the quality of their local schools. At the same time, they are more concerned about education funding and are much more worried about caring for senior citizens.
The implications of the Oregon Values & Beliefs 2002 survey are clear. By allowing Oregonians to frame the issues for themselves, this project offers the kind of guideposts to policy makers, community leaders and lawmakers that come along only once in a decade
