University President Dave Frohnmayer addressed more than 50 members of the Eugene City Club Friday with a speech emphasizing the importance of citizen involvement.
In his speech, held at the Eugene Hilton, Frohnmayer spoke about his role as University president, as well as his vision for Oregon in relation to the upcoming election. His speech focused on the themes of activism, volunteerism and involvement, or “engaged citizenship.”
“Many citizens in Oregon, many who are in this room today, have long been living the concept of engaged citizenship,” he said. “I do believe this engagement is the leavening agent of our democracy.”
He also stressed the importance of citizen involvement, especially now, with an election approaching.
“There are ballot measures on the November ballot that could be horrific in their impact,” he said.
According to Frohnmayer, the real question people need to ask themselves is, what is worth doing? When questions of ethics come up, the answer, he said, is service, and “to remove ourselves and own self interests.”
“In this election, we need to look to the ballot measures and candidates that have the greatest in mind for the people,” he said.
He also cited Measure 91, which he said would mean a $2 million cut out of state education budgets.
“This would strip for us self-determination of our future. This is not in the interest of engaged citizenship,” he said.
Frohnmayer also gave examples of how activism is taking place on the University campus.
“Students have gotten 4,500 new voters registered, more than any other college campus as of this hour,” he said.
Local residents organized the Eugene City Club to provide credible analysis of community issues, honor diverse perspectives and stimulate informed community decision-making and constructive action.
According to Don Kahle, the club’s president-elect, the club was started about a dozen years ago.
“It’s modeled after Portland’s City Club, which has been strong since early in the last century,” he said.
Betty Niden, a city club member and one of the original founders, concurred.
“It was formed because Eugene needed a group that looked at issues from a non-partisan view,” she said.
A recording of the speech can be heard on KLCC radio Monday at 6:30 p.m. and can be seen on Metro television Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 10 p.m.