I did a basic compare and contrast with The Daily Astorian’s Jan. 19 page one headline, “North Coast reflects on Trump,” and the opinion article, “Governor’s PERS solutions are modest at best.”

The main thrust of the front page article concerns the 41 percent of Clatsop County voters (Trumpville) who supported the president. It would be an interesting follow-up article to look into the opinions of the 59 percent of those on the outskirts of Trumpville.

How many of these “outsiders” have 401Ks, 403Bs or Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) accounts? Have these 59 percenters checked their investment portfolios lately? Compare the president’s approach to Oregon’s governor and her “modest at best” way of handling the biggest financial problem facing all Oregonians — PERS.

President Trump passed a tax cut that has provided bonuses for millions of workers and incentives for businesses to re-invest in America. Apple has indicated it will pay $38 billion in taxes to bring hundreds of billions back to the U.S. economy.

I mention Apple by name as it’s listed as PERS’ largest stock holding, with 2,970,029 shares valued on June 30 for $427,743,577 (Oregon PERS Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, page 93). Does the governor have any interest in that “modest” concept of nearly half a billion dollars? Can the governor entice business activity in the same manner President Trump has shown to be fruitful?

Many, if not all, of Clatsop County’s retirees, both present and future, have seen a boost in their retirement funds due to tax reform by the president. It seems Mr. Trump’s administration is planning for a brighter future for residents of Trumpville.

I just wonder what the 59 percenters will think when they have a choice between the governor’s “modest at best” economic scheme, and President Trump’s researched-based, results-proven economic plan.

Matt Janes

Jeffers Gardens