We are only as strong as our weakest link. Gordon Lafer knows this. From the workers who build our schools to the necessary classified staff who support everyone in those schools, to the parents and teachers of our students, Lafer fights for all in our Eugene 4J community. He has proven himself to be collaborative, respectful and able to make positive change happen.
Navigating the current complexities of our world can be a challenge for all of us. Parents and guardians need information. Thanks to Lafer, a parent can now ask a teacher if the Smarter Balanced standardized test is beneficial for their student or not. That teacher can now give the parent clear information. He convinced the board to vote to allow teachers to speak informatively to the family. Most students are not “standard,” and teachers now have the right to answer parents’ questions and concerns.
A library opens doors to the world for the community. I lived outside the city limits when my two children were young in 4J schools. At that time it was not possible for me to afford a library card for them. Lafer worked with district leadership and the Eugene Public Library to provide library cards for all 4J students.
I have the utmost confidence in Lafer. He has proven his ability to work respectfully for positive change even in difficult situations. A vote for Lafer is a vote for community and for empowering all of us.
Carrie Ann Naumoff
(Retired 4J teacher)
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
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