My state representative, Paul Holvey, understands that democracy isn’t about “my way or the highway.” To get anything done, you need to work with people with different priorities to build a majority. I first had the pleasure of working with Holvey in the mid 2000s when I was part of the West Eugene Collaborative, looking to bring people together around transportation solutions. After hearing concerns from his constituents further to the west along Highway 126, Holvey enlisted the WEC to support state funding for safety.
Later, after hearing from elected officials across Lane County that critical transportation issues needed the attention of more than just the county commissioners, Holvey sponsored a bill to establish the Lane Area Commission on Transportation. Today, I have the pleasure of serving as the vice-chair of LaneACT, a diverse group of 30 elected officials and other stakeholders who advise the Oregon Department of Transportation on funding priorities. We don’t always agree, but we understand we can be more successful when we come together.
Alas, some don’t appear to understand that democracy is about majorities and elections, not just catering to their special interests. Rather than waiting for the next election in 2024 to provide voters with a choice in candidates, they are taking the extraordinary step of asking for a special election this year.
Please join me in opposing the recall campaign against our state representative, Paul Holvey.
Rob Zako
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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