On vacation while auditing votes were counted, I have been bemused by post-election comments. One side says Eugene avoided an autocratic, over-priced elected auditor promoted by a narrow neighborhood cabal; the other side says the people’s preference was defeated by a late insincere option aimed at vote-splitting, resulting in continued double-dealing by local government.
As someone who voted “no” on both, I am not one of those opposed to hiring an auditor (Letters, May 24). I found both proposals too flawed to warrant support, but hope an improved design, from an inclusive process, could garner a majority. I don’t pretend to know its full details, but even in our current weak council-strong manager governance structure I suspect most citizens agree the council is currently far too weak. Auditor support — similar to what Congress gets from the Congressional Budget Office and Government Accountability Office — could help strengthen the council. Yet making the auditor entirely subject to, or independent of, the council also seems unproductive. The auditor needs some control of his or her agenda, budget and personnel to be effective. But complete autonomy may frustrate shared responsibilities and shared powers among branches of government, and contribute to continuing toxic mutual suspicions.
Here’s hoping that Eugene citizens will see the late election not as an end, but rather the start of an extended but ultimately productive effort to make an auditor an effective part of Eugene government, and foster a shared spirit of cooperation and accountability to Eugene residents by all involved.
Branden Johnson
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.
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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
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