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GIVE GOOD GUYS A CHANCE The R-G editorial page crew, usually a progressive bunch in spite of what EW might think, lost their way in endorsing candidates in Eugene races. You guys got it right. Voters interested in a change for the better will choose Kitty Piercy for mayor, and Bonny Bettman, Betty Taylor and Andrea Ortiz for City Council. Their backgrounds and words offer promise of city government more attuned to all citizens. The R-G said good things about all four, yet endorsed only Bettman. Whoa! Listen, Nancy Nathanson and Scott Meisner, who the R-G endorsed, are good people, deserving of thanks for years of service — and a fond farewell. They have abysmal voting records on issues important for working people, the less fortunate, the environment, sane growth and resistance to over-zealous developers. EW's April 8 report of council votes is clear proof: Nathanson and Meisner had 17 and 26 percent progressive scores, respectively — flunking grades — while Bettman scored 98 percent and Taylor 96. The R-G's other endorsee, Maurie Denner, may be a fine fellow, but like Nathanson and Meisner, he's being pushed by the Chamber of Commerce crowd, who think they should keep running the city as they have for 50+ years. Time to give a different crowd — more representative of the rest of us — a chance. The election of Piercy and Ortiz, and re-election of Bettman and Taylor, will give the good guys a working mayor/council majority. Don Bishoff, Eugene
WHERE'S BETTY? Big mistake! In your endorsement article last week (5/6) although you correctly endorsed Betty Taylor for all the right reasons, right there, smack dab in the middle of the article, was an advertisement for her opponent. Someone not reading the whole article would incorrectly assume you had endorsed Denner. Please put Betty's picture on the front page with a big banner saying "We endorse Betty!" Other than that you were right on. We (the Oregon Bus Project) endorsed all the same candidates, as well. Great minds think alike. Hopefully they can win elections, too. James Mattiace, Co Chair Oregon Bus Project- Lane, Eugene
FEAR-BASED POLITICS Little in the way of progressive logic is evidenced in EW's endorsement of Kerry over Kucinich. The line of "reasoning" is to the effect that a vote for Kucinich is really a vote against Kerry, and therefore a vote for Bush. Talk about jumping the gun; Kerry is certainly not yet the Democratic nominee. While he most probably will be, anything can happen. (EW seems to forget what happened to Democrat ticket front-runner Bobby Kennedy in 1968, shortly after he departed a whistle-stop appearance in our town.) Odds and dire scenarios aside, what about the idea of a voting democracy? Last I checked, that's what we supposedly have. A primary election is the main opportunity for the lowly voters to state their preferences! Long before the national convention, exactly why should we feel compelled to put all eggs into Kerry's basket? This is fear-based politics, exactly the modus operandi of the Bushies. It is disempowering to the people, because it says Democrats should fall into lockstep on a Kerry vote — to avoid sending a message of "weakness" to the Republican camp. This type of thinking, effective perhaps for belligerent military posturing, turns democracy on its head. Proffering the same line, the R-G says that Oregon's primary vote won't be noticed unless Kucinich rocks Kerry's boat. Exactly why we should vote for the media-marginalized candidate, the only one who's facing the real issues with real answers! Voters can send a message that will be heard, but only if they use their power at the polls instead of giving in to fears that may or may not turn out to be apropos come November. Vip Short, Eugene
MAYORAL RACE I'm disappointed in the "Endorsements" section of the
May 6 edition. In it you have a section discussing the candidates for
mayor. When I look at my ballot there are three listed (Nicholas has
since withdrawn), yet you give no mention to Donnely or Gross. While
trying to find out more about these two candidates I discovered that
both are participating in the Voluntary Campaign Finance Program, which
means they are both limiting their campaign spending to $7,500. Neither
candidate you mention is participating, and the program isn't discussed
at all. I don't automatically assume that a candidate is superior or
inferior based on this criteria, but I think that people should know.
Then again, perhaps people shouldn't turn to weeklies for Edward Brown, Eugene
HAPPENIN' HOLVEY I am very excited that State Representative Paul Holvey is running for the State Legislature. I have volunteered with Paul for almost 10 years and know he is dedicated to our community and state. We both were on the Steering Committee of the Eugene-Springfield Solidarity Network. When work needed to be done, Paul rolled up his sleeves and jumped in. He always showed great leadership and willingness to get the job done, without seeking the credit for himself. Paul is one of the most highly principled legislators in our state. He will always speak up for families, fair taxes, decent jobs, good housing, good schools and quality of life. I know he will always prioritize the voters in our district and not the special interests. Paul would never sell out his values or ethics. We need someone with his integrity in Salem. Eugene District 8 should vote for Paul Holvey in the May 18 primary. Joy Marshall, Eugene
THE BEST CHOICE As a leader in the Jefferson-Westside neighborhoods, I have had extensive opportunities to work with both John Simpson and his opponent in the EWEB Commissioner race for Wards 1 and 8. Of the two candidates, John is clearly the best person to fill this important post. John Simpson understands how to work cooperatively and effectively with his peers to get the job done. John Simpson understands that customers and employees are human beings and are entitled to be treated as such. John Simpson listens and learns; he is aware that he is not an expert on everything and that others have contributions to make. John Simpson understands that there is a difference between prudent oversight and destructive micro-management and can be trusted not to cross the line between them. John Simpson understands that a commissioner's job is to help make policy and not to direct EWEB's day-to-day operations. John Simpson can be trusted to finish what he has started. I have no worries about him resigning in a snit at the first set back. In the race for EWEB Commissioner for Wards 1 and 8, John Simpson is clearly the best choice. Elect John Simpson for EWEB Commissioner. David Hinkley, Eugene
COUNTING ON COLBATH I urge a vote for Mitzi Colbath for District 8 Oregon House State Representative. Mitzi has a proven track record as a compassionate, intelligent woman of the highest character with the skills to tackle Oregon's most pressing issues. As a CPA with prior governmental experience on the Eugene Planning Commission and as an Oregon Municipal Auditor, she can create viable solutions for our state's spending woes. Mitzi will achieve economic stability for all of us by putting money in long term investments such as education, jobs, affordable housing and healthcare. Mitzi has advocated for healthy, safe, and livable communities by her personal involvement with the food bank and community gardens project and continues to work actively with our most disadvantaged citizens. An impressive array of her achievements can be viewed at www.colbath.info Pamela L. Wible, M.D., Eugene
LETTERS POLICY: We print as many letters as space allows. Please limit length to 250 words and submissions to once a month. All letters are subject to editing for length and clarity, and must include address and phone number. E-mail to editor@eugeneweekly.com, fax to 484-4044, or mail to 1251 Lincoln, Eugene 97401.
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