From the Capitol to the Community: My First Months Serving House District 51

By State Representative Matt Bunch, For The Sandy Standard

When I was appointed to represent House District 51 in November, I promised to hit the ground running and that’s exactly what I’ve done. It’s been a fast-paced and fulfilling first few months, and I want to share a few highlights of the work already underway on behalf of the people of Canby, Estacada, Sandy, and unincorporated Clackamas County.

Our district is diverse, rural and suburban, agricultural and entrepreneurial, and each community brings its own strengths and challenges. I’ve made it a priority to be present and engaged, learning firsthand how state policies affect people on the ground.

In Canby, I toured city facilities and the fire department to better understand the infrastructure and public safety investments required for a growing population. In Estacada, I met with city leaders to discuss pressing issues like wastewater infrastructure, downtown revitalization, and how the state can better support small communities planning for future growth. I’ve already been briefed by legislative staff on the Sandy Wastewater issue and look forward to meeting with city officials in the coming weeks to learn more about their priorities.

I also sat down with the lobbyist for Clackamas County to get a clear picture of the county’s top legislative priorities, especially those that directly affect House District 51 communities like Sandy, Estacada, and Canby. These kinds of conversations are critical to building a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

One of the best parts of this job has been connecting with people across the district, from small business owners to firefighters, from farmers to educators to students. I had the pleasure of attending a legislative summit at Clackamas Community College and a workforce training meeting with Mt. Hood Community College President Lisa Skari, where I learned more about the innovative pathways they’re building to prepare students for high-demand careers.

Beyond city visits and education tours, I’ve also spent time hearing directly from business owners and agricultural leaders. At the Oregon Farm Bureau Convention, I met with growers and producers to discuss the impacts of recent policy changes and the importance of supporting Oregon’s agricultural economy. At the Oregon Business & Industry Annual Meeting, I had productive conversations with business leaders about workforce challenges, permitting delays, and how we can create a more competitive climate for Oregon employers.

While I’ve been focused on showing up locally, I’m also preparing to deliver results in Salem. The short legislative session kicks off in February, and I’ll be introducing priority bills aimed at easing financial burdens on working families and supporting job creators, especially those in the ag and service industries. More on that will be shared soon, but rest assured these proposals are rooted in real conversations with real Oregonians.

This is just the beginning. I’ve been deeply encouraged by the honesty, hospitality, and passion of the people I’ve met across House District 51. It’s clear that this district is full of folks who care deeply about their communities and want the state government to be a partner to their success, not a barrier.

Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me. I’m here to serve you, stay connected, and fight for common-sense solutions that reflect our shared values.

Matt Bunch

State Representative, House District 51