As an undergraduate at the University of Oregon back in 2017, I helped lead a campaign to get the university to cut its emissions by transitioning away from using fossil fuels to power its boilers. Back then, it sounded like a crazy idea, and our group of climate activists were alone in our advocacy. Nine years later, there is widespread support for this campaign across campus and the city, with endorsements from the Associated Students of University of Oregon, countless student groups and, perhaps most notably, all of the campus unions. 

As an elected union leader myself, I know how difficult it is to manage the countless priorities and perspectives of membership, and how every policy decision can be a battle.

That’s why I was so impressed when Service Employees International Union 085, the union that represents the workers running the boiler facility, joined our campaign in support of UO’s transition to renewable electricity. Their support was only possible after years of conversations, and the leadership and consensus-building of the union’s president, Jennifer Smith.

Smith worked with students, environmental organizations and her members to bring her union of close to 1,800 people into support for climate action — a huge achievement and a step toward a worker-backed just transition off of fossil fuels. 

Now, Smith is running for City Council, with support from climate groups like the Sierra Club and from labor unions including SEIU and AFSCME. Her platform reflects the progressive values she has brought to her union as president, with a commitment to affordability, renter protections, climate action and more. 

I am supporting her campaign not only because I agree with her platform, but because I have seen her in action, working to build consensus across a membership with diverse backgrounds and opinions. I know she is not afraid to stand up to powerful institutions like the UO and the billion-dollar corporations that have been running roughshod over our city for years. I know she will fight for what she believes is right. 

I hope you will join me in supporting Jennifer Smith to represent Ward 3.

Dylan Plummer
Eugene