Knute Buehler of Bend says he would use the Secretary of State's Office as more of a vehicle to help small business.  Buehler is running as the Republican candidate for the State Office.  He wants to present an annual agency report card to the Oregon Legislature rating each state agency.  “We're gonna have each state agency get a grade A to F on responsiveness, including timeliness, quality and assistance with compliance, and how they help small businesses deal with red tape that small business encounters.” 

Buhler says he would like to reorganize the Corporation Division and create a small business navigator.  “The first idea is to have a business navigator.  What I hear from small businesses across the state is a lack of help dealing with Salem, things like licensing fees, policies.  They feel cut lose and don't have that advocate.” Knute Buehler is an orthopedic surgeon here in Bend.  He will be facing the current Secretary of State Democrat Kate Brown, in November.