Why has Eugene Weekly chosen to drive a narrative that the 4J school board is dysfunctional? Board meetings have been contentious, but dissension and dysfunction are different. In fact, the board has accomplished much that directly benefits students and staff. Some of the most significant accomplishments are thanks to Gordon Lafer — because he listens to kids and educators, does his homework and has gained his colleagues’ votes on issues he’s championed.
Thanks to Lafer, librarians are returning to our elementary schools, everyone working for the district earns at least $18 an hour, construction workers who build and repair our schools have fair benefits, and there are menstrual products in girls’ bathrooms. Lafer wants to see smaller classes and to keep good teachers working at 4J. He’s an advocate for regional equity within the district, and he has ideas that will move 4J forward on these issues. His opponent, no doubt a good person, has far less understanding of our schools and has accepted huge donations from a conservative mega-donor who has lobbied against school funding. Bottom line, we just cannot afford to lose Lafer’s vision, dedication, experience and effective leadership.
Marion Malcolm
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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