Chancellor’s remark should be forgiven
We’re sure that we’ll probably be permanently marked as intolerant, but we fail to understand why it is when a few people get offended by a comment, it warrants front page news (ODE April 27).
We attended the classified staff meeting and heard the reference made by Oregon University System Chancellor Joseph Cox and believe we are mature enough to know that he was only trying to find a metaphor to describe his job.
We are disgusted by the intolerance displayed by those who choose to find a reason to be upset and who are unwilling to accept the apology offered personally by Cox. If Ms. Baker was able to deduct that the comment came from the fact that the chancellor was raised “white” (her definition), then we fail to understand why she was unable to also deduct that he was only using an example from his past innocently.
What kind of apology do those who were offended expect? We and others in the room knew his intent was not political, personal or wrought with connotations. In our opinion, we’re confident if Mr. Clark would not have stormed out of the room in a manner that to us appeared childish but had later approached the chancellor with his concern, he would have gotten a sincere apology. That is how progress is made.
It was evident the chancellor was regretful for using a metaphor that has political and personal complexity to some, but given the context of what he was speaking about, it was clearly not meant as a personal attack. It is painfully obvious that there are people on this campus unable to differentiate between a comment made in “poor taste” from one that is meant to offend or degrade a person or people.

Johanna Hanley

and Donna Overall

classified staff

Bettman for Ward 3
The Sierra Club is pleased to endorse Bonny Bettman for Eugene City Councilor in Ward 3, and we urge students who are concerned about the environment to give her your vote.
One word sums up Bettman’s vision for Eugene: livability. Bettman will fight against urban sprawl and work to maintain Eugene’s urban growth boundary. She will work to promote high quality public transportation, conservation of wetlands and citizens’ right to know what toxic chemicals are being released into the air we breath.
Bettman has a proven track record in support of what makes Eugene a good place to live and raise a family. She has spent years working for safe schools and healthy neighborhoods. Bettman brings conviction as well as common sense to the debate about how to balance a healthy environment, good schools and a strong economy. She is an outstanding public servant and will make an excellent addition to the Eugene City Council.

James Johnston

Political Chair, Many Rivers Group Sierra Club

Bettman has what it takes
It’s rubber hits the road time for voters in our fair city; ballots are going in the mail as I write. The challenges facing us are complex and require those serving on our city council to have the kind of skills, vision and leadership that can move our community toward a viable, vital future.
Bonny Bettman is the candidate who best represents the diversity and needs of the residents of Ward 3. I spent a year with Bettman in the New Community Meeting, a group of 17 community leaders convened by the non-profit Conflict Resolution Center, to discuss “growth and development in Eugene and Springfield.”
I learned a great deal from Bettman about what is going on in our neighborhoods and about how the city bureaucracy works. I was very impressed with her ideas for creating an adequate and fair system of paying for the costs of new development so that as Eugene grows, we do not see our existing services and neighborhoods further eroded due to lack of funding.
Most importantly, I learned that Bettman always works to involve citizens in the public process in a meaningful way. She’s fluent in the languages of unified zoning, nodal development and bus rapid transit, all issues the City Council will face in the coming year. This job is not about who is best at making nice; it is about who is capable and courageous enough to lead this community through the challenges we face and towards a sustainable future.
Vote Bettman for Ward 3!

Leslie Scott

Eugene resident

DeMuniz for State Supreme Court
Paul DeMuniz has the experience and integrity to represent Oregon in its State Supreme Court. He is the only candidate with any judicial experience, having honorably served 10 years on the Oregon Court of Appeals and acting as its presiding judge.
Judge DeMuniz was also selected for the Oregon Supreme Court Task Force on Racial and Ethnic Issues in the Judicial System, and he was appointed to a federal commission to study issues regarding women in the military. DeMuniz is endorsed by the Oregon Education Association, former Senator Mark O. Hatfield and former Governor Neil Goldschmidt. We wish to take this opportunity to join the array of people and professional organizations endorsing DeMuniz.

Daniel Katz

president

UO Future Lawyers Association

Alan Tauber

editor of The Oregon Advocate

Olsen for Ward 3
If you live in Ward 3 and are looking for the candidate who will best represent the majority of the people, then vote for Tracy Olsen.
Olsen’s vision for Eugene is not tied to political jockeying or special interest groups. His vision is much broader and down to earth. As a small business owner and resident of downtown, he knows personally the challenges and needs of the Ward’s residential and business communities. As a community service volunteer, Olsen has worked side-by-side with our youth and is dedicated to offering kids a safe and healthy environment in which to grow.
As a native of Eugene, like myself, Olsen has grown up with and knows Eugene. He appreciates the special qualities of our city, its livability, its beauty and its friendly people.
Olsen will bring this broad vision, along with his personable style and energy, to the City Council to work for Eugene’s future in a responsible way. He is not interested in forcing his views on others, but instead, listens to each side, uses his common sense and then makes an intelligent decision.
I know Olsen and was thrilled when I heard the news that he was throwing his hat into this race for City Council.
Please put Olsen in a position where he can help us all: vote for Tracy Olsen.

Brent Hample

UO alum