We met Joe Berney at a CareWorks meeting. All county commissioner candidates were invited; however, Berney was the only Springfield candidate to attend. We were impressed by his energy, openness and willingness to listen to all, not just the moneyed and influential. Although he’ll represent Springfield, he’ll respond to the needs of all Lane County.
Berney invited Susan to speak at his healthcare forum on April 14, where we learned a little about how he has overcome medical and life challenges that have formed his views on people’s needs.
Two physicians and Susan discussed how Lane County could utilize current funding streams to provide healthcare to all area residents. It is possible to provide health care for all without spending more!
Berney has a long track record of helping people.
The Register-Guard endorsement says it best when asking why voters should elect Berney for Springfield county commissioner: He has fresh ideas. He has experience in creating family-wage jobs and successful businesses, teaching — including obtaining retraining funds for displaced workers — and creating affordable housing.
Joe Berney does not need to be Lane County Commissioner; Lane County needs him.
Susan and Lee Bliven
Eugene
A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!

Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519