The University lost an invaluable voice in city politics on Sept. 10 when Ward 3 City Councilor Bobby Lee officially resigned from his position. Lee, 31, cut short his second two-year city council career by four months, opting for a career move and change of scenery.
“Students have been very good to me,” Lee said. “I like the energy they bring into our community. I’ll miss being part of the university culture.”
Lee, Eugene’s youngest council member, left Eugene to fill the position of director of youth services and governmental affairs at Worksystems Inc., another step in his continuing efforts to improve the lives of Oregon youth.
“I’ve always felt bad for the staff,” Lee said, “because it’s hard to have someone my age telling them what to do.”
Though his own youth was a factor in his council position, he was able to dive right into city business.
“I came to this community 12 years ago and this community welcomed and embraced me,” Lee said. “Four years ago this community gave me the ultimate gift, a chance to make a difference.”
When asked what decision during his time on council stands out in his mind the most, Lee replied, “When we passed the camping ban ordinance that prevented people from sleeping anywhere in the city. We changed that law to allow church parking lots to be used for camping and provided porti-pots. Also, we changed the law so people could offer their property as shelter for homeless.”
Despite such achievements, there is still a great deal to be done in Eugene, according to Lee.
“The financial health part of the city is a big concern for me,” Lee said. “Over the last four years, we have bandaged the problem. We are too dependent on property taxes.”
Even while important city business will be left to his successor, Bonnie Bettman, Lee will be remembered by his colleagues and constituents alike as a dedicated civil servant who found popularity during his two terms. In fact, when Mayor Jim Torrey discussed with his staff “who are the people who could run for mayor who would be the toughest to beat”, he concluded “at the top of the list is Bobby Lee.”
While many are remembering Lee’s service to the community, Bettman is focused on her upcoming role as city councilwoman.
“I think I’ve been preparing for this role for the past 10 years,” Bettman said. “I’ve done a lot of volunteering on city committees and work in the community.”
Bettman is continuing a tradition Lee established, while he carries on his work in Portland.
“I will be working with at-risk and homeless youth helping them develop skills to get jobs,” Lee said of his position at the work force agency for Portland and Multnomah, Washington and Tillamook counties. “I’ll also be working with governmental affairs working on states education reformat.”
“It is amazing, his energy level,” said State Sen. Susan Castillo. “It is our loss and Portland’s great gain.”
While Lee has no current aspirations to seek elected office in Portland, he says there is always the opportunity.
“I’m still getting to know the Portland community,” he said. “Maybe years from now, if I felt there was something out there I felt strongly enough about, I would run for office.”