.: Corvallis Gazette-Times :. News -
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Published on: 1/12/2004
Last Visited: 1/12/2004
When Mike Volpe talks about the impact of Measure 30 on health care, people listen closely, perhaps more so than they would for any politician.
Volpe, 49, of Corvallis has multiple sclerosis.
Failure of the $800 million revenue package likely would result in cuts to state programs that help keep him relatively healthy, he said.
On Thursday, Volpe spoke at a "Yes on 30" rally at the Majestic Theater, rolling up before the audience in a motorized wheelchair, steering it by pushing a joystick with his chin.
If Measure 30 is defeated, "Over 1,000 people will lose access to long-term care," he said.
Budget cuts haven't been defined yet.While Volpe wouldn't lose all of his care, he would be impacted, according to projections.
He takes nine prescriptions a day, but wouldn't have state support to buy all those, he said.
He also is losing his eyesight due to MS and would lose any vision care, he added.
Volpe isn't supporting Measure 30 just because of health issues, though."The fallout is going to hit everybody," he said.
Volpe has had MS for 25 years, and it has progressed to the point where he has no voluntary movement below his neck.
He still is active, however.
He volunteers for several state and area boards to aid seniors and the disabled.Last year, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oregon Disabilities Commission and an award from the Governor's Commission on Senior Services for his efforts.
Volpe has been chairman of the Linn-Benton-Lincoln Disabilities Services Advisory Council for more than six years.The group has done service-satisfaction surveys and published a local resource booklet for the disabled.
Volpe moved to Corvallis from the Midwest in 1985 because of the milder climate here.
He currently lives in a North Corvallis apartment.He needs a caregiver with him all but two to four hours a day.
In his spare time, Volpe enjoys getting together with friends, listening to books on tape and watching television and movies.He also has an impressive collection of plants.
By using a "mouth-stick," Volpe can push buttons on the television and other electronic equipment, as well as answer the telephone.He also has voice recognition for his computer.
Kyle Odegard covers Philomath and rural Benton County.He can be contacted at kyle.odegard@lee.net or 758-9523.
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