(1910-2012)
- Oregon State Representative, 1972-1999.
About Rep. Jones
Rep. Jones grew up in Ione, and found prosperity as an adult raising cattle in Malheur County. He was active in local government and civic groups, and served as president of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association in 1967. He also lobbied the legislature for several years before being elected.
In 1972, Rep. Jones was elected to serve in the Oregon House of Representatives. During his time in the legislature, he was appointed to serve on multiple committees, including the Ways and Means Committee. While looking out for agricultural interests of Eastern Oregon, he also worked with urban Democrats to come up with money for Portland’s light-rail system. A Republican, he worked with Democrats in the assembly, and valued cooperation between urban and rural legislators.
In his oral history interview, Rep. Jones highlighted the importance of communicating with constituents, as he had a weekly meeting at the city hall to go over the relevant issues. He also discussed his views on sales tax, education funding and term limits. In his opinion, his greatest legislative successes were serving on the state police subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee and working on the income tax reduction and retirement budgeting.
Rep. Jones served for 26 years in the Oregon House of Representatives, until he was 88 years old. Over the course of his time in the legislature, he represented Harney, Lake and Malheur counties. He lived until he was 101 years old.
– Interview recorded July 19, 2002