I don’t need space here to defend Oregon State Rep. Paul Holvey (District 8). His record as a fighter for working people and defender of the natural environment speaks for itself. He has been re-elected multiple times with more than 80 percent of the vote.
Instead, I have a question: Why a recall now and not a challenge in the next election? I have heard no charges of malfeasance or the kinds of behavior for which the recall exists. I find only that a couple people who claim to represent a union disagree with Holvey’s legislative actions.
It appears that the people behind the recall understand a basic fact: If everyone votes in a regular election, it won’t even be close. So they have resorted to a recall, forcing an extra vote in a non-election year, in the dog days of August. So what is this recall really about? Why do people who do not live in Holvey’s district feel they can shower their money in our neighborhoods and subvert our vote from the last election?
The question on this recall attempt is not about the record of a state representative. The question is this: Do you agree that democracy should be abused?
Steve McQuiddy
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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