- Oregon State Senator, 1975-1995.
About Sen. Trow
Clifford “Cliff” Trow had two careers that were connected by history and education. Trow loved history and taught the subject at Oregon State University for thirty-one years, from 1965-1996.
Impressed by the iconic Oregon politician Wayne Morse, Trow adopted his views on working for the public interest and served in the Oregon Senate. He represented District 18 from 1975-2003. Trow merged his two interests into his legislative career, serving on both the Education and Ways and Means committees.
During his interview, Trow discusses the negative effects that Measure 5 has had on Oregon school funding. He discussed as well as the decision Oregon’s public universities have made to end state governance over higher education. In addition to his professional work, he has been immersed in other civic and cultural organizations for many years. He is quick to note that his professional and volunteer engagement was always done in partnership with his wife Jo Anne.
Having served in the legislature for decades, Trow shares his insights on the thorny topic of partisanship in the legislature and how to overcome that barrier. Officially retired, Cliff Trow continues his work in education and history through the Lifelong Learning Association, the Corvallis Benton Country Library and the Benton County Historical Society.
You can help preserve history
When you donate to the Capitol Foundation or purchase Pacific Wonderland license plates for your car, you help create a living history of our Capitol and its history. Your support funds programs such as our oral history project. This program gives students, history buffs and our state’s future leaders an opportunity to learn about Oregon’s most important stories from the people who made it happen. Thank you!