In his first term in the Oregon House of Representatives, Jack Zika has earned a reputation for focusing on the needs of his neighbors in the 53rd District. When running for his seat in 2018, Jack sought to translate the need for affordable housing in Central Oregon to a concrete state policy that would do good. He told voters that his top priority was to change state law to allow Redmond to develop more affordable housing. When he won and assumed office, he fought hard for that change and won passage of the bill. As a result, Redmond will now have hundreds of much-needed affordable housing units.
Jack’s interest in affordable housing and other kitchen-table issues like child care comes from the fact that he and his wife Zanthel are raising two young children in Redmond. They understand what Central Oregon families face as a result of our region’s high cost of living. As a former Redmond Planning Commissioner and as a REALTOR, Jack understands how decisions in Salem can help or hurt the affordability crisis many Central Oregonians face today.
Jack’s efforts have earned him the respect of his colleagues. During his first term, he was named House Republican Assistant Leader, and appointed to the influential Rules Committee.
In addition to housing and child care, Jack has worked on legislation to help Central Oregon’s veterans from his position on the Veterans and Emergency Preparedness Committee, and also on wildfire prevention. He successfully stewarded a ladder fuel reduction bill through the legislature that will direct resources from the Oregon Department of Forestry to fire risk reduction efforts.
Jack and his family love Central Oregon and he considers it an honor to represent the region in the Oregon House of Representatives. In November 2019 he announced that he would seek a second term in the House.
“I appreciate your support and your vote!” – Representative Jack Zika