Barbara Roberts

Barbara Roberts is a notable American politician who served as the 34th governor of Oregon from 1991 to 1995. As a member of the Democratic Party, she made history as the first woman elected to the governorship in Oregon and was the only woman to hold that office until 2016. In addition to her gubernatorial role, Roberts has held various significant positions in public service, including serving as the majority leader in the Oregon House of Representatives and as Oregon Secretary of State. Her political career is marked by her advocacy for education, health care, and social issues, particularly those affecting women and marginalized communities.

Early life and career

Barbara Kay Roberts was born on December 21, 1936, in Corvallis, Oregon, to Bob and Carmen Murray Hughey. Her father worked as a millworker and was a descendant of pioneers who traveled the Oregon Trail. The family moved to Los Angeles, California, in 1940, where her father took a job as a machinist. After World War II, they returned to Oregon, initially settling in Gold Creek in Yamhill County before finally moving to Sheridan.

In 1954, Roberts married her high school sweetheart, Neal Sanders, and graduated from Sheridan High School the following year. The couple relocated to Texas, where they had two sons, Mike and Mark. They eventually returned to Oregon, settling in Portland, where Roberts attended Portland State University from 1961 to 1964.

Roberts's life took a significant turn in 1962 when her older son, Mike, was diagnosed with severe emotional disturbances, later identified as autism. This experience propelled her into advocacy for special-needs children. In 1971, she successfully lobbied the Oregon State Legislature to ensure educational rights for these children, marking the beginning of her commitment to public service and advocacy.

Her political career began in 1973 when she was elected to the Parkrose School Board, followed by a position on the Mount Hood Community College board. In 1974, she married Frank L. Roberts, an Oregon state representative who would later become a state senator and her political mentor. In 1980, she was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives, where she was re-elected in 1982. During her tenure, her colleagues selected her as the House Majority Leader from 1983 to 1984, making her the first woman to hold this position in Oregon.

Governorship

In 1990, Democratic Governor Neil Goldschmidt announced that he would not seek re-election, prompting Roberts, who was halfway through her second term as Secretary of State, to run for the governorship. She won the Democratic primary without opposition and subsequently defeated Republican Attorney General David B. Frohnmayer and Independent candidate Al Mobley in the general election, officially taking office as governor in 1991.

Roberts's election was historic, as she became the first woman to be elected governor of Oregon. During her time in office, she faced various challenges and opportunities, including the passage of Ballot Measure 5, which established constitutional limits on property tax rates. Her administration was characterized by a collaborative approach with the federal government, particularly in securing waivers and funding for the Oregon Health Plan, which aimed to expand health care access for residents.

Roberts also focused on increasing enrollment in the Head Start Program, securing financing for affordable housing, and developing initiatives to assist Oregonians in transitioning from welfare to the workforce. Her administration was known for its strong support of gay rights, and she made significant efforts to appoint women to various positions within state government.

Tragedy struck in 1993 when her husband, Frank L. Roberts, passed away from prostate cancer while she was still in office. Following his death, Barbara Roberts authored a book addressing themes of death and grief, reflecting her personal experiences and insights.

Despite her accomplishments, Roberts chose not to seek re-election in 1994, primarily to take time to process the loss of her husband and to focus on her personal well-being.

Policy focus and legacy

After leaving the governorship, Roberts continued her involvement in public service and education. She accepted a position at the Harvard Kennedy School, where she served as the director of the Harvard Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government and later as a senior fellow in the Women and Public Policy Program. In 1998, she joined Portland State University's Hatfield School of Government as the Associate Director of Leadership Development.

Roberts has remained active in community service, serving on the boards of various nonprofit organizations, including the Oregon Hospice Association and the Human Rights Campaign. She has also been involved with the advisory council of Oregon's Compassion in Dying. Her public speaking engagements have covered a range of topics, including leadership, women in politics, environmental stewardship, and the complexities of grief and loss.

In recognition of her contributions to public service and education, Roberts High School in Salem, Oregon, was named in her honor in 1996.

In early 2011, Roberts returned to government service when she was appointed to the Metro council, the elected regional government for the Portland metropolitan area. This appointment allowed her to continue her commitment to public service and community engagement.

Barbara Roberts's legacy is marked by her pioneering role as a female leader in Oregon politics, her advocacy for education and social issues, and her ongoing dedication to public service and community well-being. Through her various roles, she has made a lasting impact on the state of Oregon and has paved the way for future generations of women in leadership positions.