Bruce W. Starr – Biography

Bruce Starr is a successful small businessman who cares about Oregon and it’s future as one of the best places to live and raise a family in America. Our natural resources, diverse and well-trained workforce, dynamic educational and cultural institutions, and way of life are what set Oregon apart.

 
Bruce is running for Labor Commissioner to help turn Oregon’s economy around. With an unemployment rate that continues to be higher than the national average, Oregon workers deserve the most important economic right: a job.
 
The Bureau of Labor and Industries’ mission is to protect employment rights, advance employment opportunities, and protect access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination. A strong and effective Labor Commissioner can streamline the process that ensure workers are protected while making it easier for businesses to grow and create new jobs.
 
Bruce is a native of Hillsboro, Oregon and a graduate of Portland State University. After graduating from PSU, the young entrepreneur started his own construction company focused on residential and commercial roofing and repair. His experience as a small business owner gave him a first-hand look at the challenges of growing a business and creating jobs. Its this kind of experience that Oregonians need in a Labor Commissioner – real life experience signing both sides of a paycheck.
 
In 2002, Bruce joined the Portland Business Alliance, Portland’s chamber of commerce. He focused on business development with an emphasis on international trade and from there started a new company, Cutting Edge NW, representing companies navigating the complex regulatory and tax codes at the state and federal level. Small businesses today should be focused on meeting their payroll, growing their business, and creating more jobs – not government.
 
Since 1999, Bruce has served in the Oregon state legislature, in both the House and Senate. His priorities have reflected the needs of a rapidly growing region including education reform, transportation investments, and economic development incentives. He has been a leader on issues impacting the state’s economy and has focused on ways to make it easier for small businesses to grow and thrive.
 
Bruce is married to Rebecca and they live in Hillsboro with their two children.