or_gov_sizemore

BILL SIZEMORE

• Born in Aberdeen, WA, Sizemore grew up in the state of Washington and graduated from Montesano High School in the Grays Harbor area. In 1972, he moved to Portland, where he attended and graduated from Portland Bible College with a degree in theology.

• After graduating from college in 1976, Sizemore taught bible history and ran a painting and remodeling business. He later started a carpet business which lost money, and he filed for bankruptcy in 1987. He next launched a toy manufacturing business, but that, too, landed him in debt.

• In 1993, Sizemore joined Oregon Taxpayers United, a statewide, taxpayer-rights organization which has been behind many statewide ballot initiatives to cut taxes and government in Oregon. Sizemore was the author and chief petitioner for Measure 47, a successful initiative to cut property taxes. He also sponsored the PERS (Public Employee Retirement System) initiative, which would have forced public employees to contribute to their pension plan, but it was struck down in court. Oregon Taxpayers United also aided in defeating funding for a statewide light rail system which had been approved by the legislature.

• SizemoreÂ's previous attempts at seeking elected office have not been successful. In 1980, he challenged a Democratic incumbent in the state legislature, and in 1981, he finished fourth in a large field of candidates vying for a seat on the Portland City Council.

• Despite some damaging press stories shortly before the primary that revealed SiemoreÂ's history of business failures and unpaid debts, he easily won the GOP nomination. He received 53% of the vote, while his opponents -- a dentist, a tax coalition director, and an investment banker -- each received less than 20% of the vote.