The Emerald heartily supports Peter DeFazio for the U.S. House of Representatives.
DeFazio has had copious experience as a representative supporting the interests of Eugene: For the past 16 years, DeFazio has been a member of the House of Representatives, and for four years before that, he was the chairman of the Lane County Board of Commissioners. He has averaged 94 percent participation in votes in the House.
DeFazio is a perfect match to represent the University area’s interests.
He is a committed environmentalist, and tried numerous times to block any drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. He’s gotten bills pushed through Congress to improve the quality of the Millraces and Amazon Creek, as well as one that would help regulate the temperature of the Willamette to protect endangered fish species.
DeFazio is a known friend of students. He has tried to increase Pell Grants and has said that he favors federal loans and scholarships over bank loans. He has even helped students out of his own pocket. Years ago, he refused a pay raise, saying that he could not accept it in good conscience while the budget wasn’t balanced. Ever since, he has used that extra pay to fund nine scholarships annually. To date, he has paid out nearly $182,000 in scholarships.
His opponent, on the other hand, can only suggest more logging to aid the tuition crunch.
It’s simple: Re-elect Peter DeFazio.