|  What
does fencing have in common with politics? For Cody Mattern, an Olympic
athlete and Libertarian candidate, both are all about preparation.
"When I compete" -- whether in sports or politics -- "I
like to know all the options," he told the Williamette Week
newspaper. "And I enjoy the problem-solving aspect."
In
2004, Mattern had an opportunity to problem-solve in both areas. He
was a member of the United States épée fencing team
at the XXVII Olympics in Athens, Greece -- and also a Libertarian
Party candidate for state representative in Oregon.
At the Olympics, Mattern competed in both the individual and team
épée fencing events. The lanky, 6'4", 190-pound
athlete said fencing is a perfect match for his personality because
it is an individual, one-on-one, "no-excuse sport." In épée
(pronounced EPP-pay) fencing, competitors face off using a 35-inch
long sword with a hand-guard. They earn points by touching their blade
anywhere on their opponent's body; matches are to 15 points.
Mattern, who took up fencing in 1995, was considered a favorite to
do well in the Olympics. In 2004, he ranked second in the United States
and won a silver medal at the Grand Prix World Cup in Vancouver, British
Columbia. He has also earned two U.S. Division 1 national championship
titles (in 2001 and 2004). However, Mattern fell short of his goals
in Greece. In the individual épée event, he finished
22nd, and in the team event, the United States lost to France in the
quarter finals.
But Mattern told the Williamette Week that competing in the
Olympics was an experience he wouldn't have missed. Marching in the
Opening Ceremonies, he said, was "the single most amazing event
I have ever been a part of, and it will stand out in my mind as one
of the all-time best memories."
After returning to the United States, Mattern threw himself into his
campaign for Oregon House, running on a traditional libertarian platform.
In the State Voter's Pamphlet Statement, Mattern said he:
• Thinks that "government 'solutions'
to our problems undercut the community -- depriving private charities
and individuals of the opportunity and responsibility to develop
their own solutions; solutions that are historically more efficient
and effective than government programs."
• "Believes the 2nd Amendment is a linchpin
of the Constitution."
• "Understands that less government is
better government."
• And "knows that less government and
lower taxes means a vibrant economy that creates good jobs."
In his race for state representative in District 35 (which encompasses
Beaverton, Tigard, and part of Portland), Mattern faced five opponents:
a Republican, a Democrat, a Pacific Green, a Constitution Party member,
and an independent. Professionally, Mattern teaches fencing at the
Northwest Fencing Center in Portland.
--
Bill Winter |
