‘Let’s Talk’: Eugene Weekly and Others Invite Oregonians to Weigh In on Governor’s Race

News organizations and nonprofit groups in Oregon have teamed up to learn what voters want candidates for governor to be talking about as they compete for votes. They seek Oregonians to participate in a “Let’s Talk” 90-minute virtual listening session soon to share their understanding of the race through the media. There is no cost to join in this nonpartisan event.

Voters would join others via the Zoom platform to discuss off the record what information they want to know about the candidates — and what they don’t want to hear. The intent is for news organizations to provide reporting in the coming months that serves the interests and needs of Oregonians instead of candidates and their campaigns.

The governor’s race promises to be one of the most important in recent Oregon history with several high-profile candidates and a state reeling from the pandemic and political divides.

The effort is led by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, a nonprofit digital news service focused on state government and politics; Rural Development Initiatives, a nonprofit focused on community vitality in rural Oregon; and the Agora Journalism Center, part of the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication in Portland.

Eugene Weekly is participating as a host.

“We’re keenly interested in having voters help frame news coverage, to provide reporting beyond the usual polls and campaign financing reporting,” says Les Zaitz, editor of Oregon Capital Chronicle.

“We look forward to hearing from diverse groups representing small communities throughout Oregon, to make sure we understand what’s important to people as we consider who the next governor should be,” says Jennifer Groth, director of Policy and Partnerships at Rural Development Initiatives.

“Understanding and fulfilling the public’s information needs to inform their decision at the ballot box is a critical democratic role for the media. Listening is a key first step,” says Andrew DeVigal, director of the Agora Journalism Center.

Sessions with voters grouped in their region will take place by the end of February.

To participate Oregonians can go to “Let’s Talk” to submit their interest along with basic information. The deadline for expressing interest is Tuesday, Jan. 25.

For more information:

Les Zaitz, Oregon Capital Chronicle, lzaitz@oregoncapitalchronicle.com

Jennifer Groth, Rural Development Initiatives, jgroth@rdiinc.org

Andrew DeVigal, Agora Journalism Center, adevigal@uoregon.edu

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!