I met Thomas Hiura 16 years ago when he walked into my phone bank ready to make calls to Oregon voters on behalf of Planned Parenthood PAC of Oregon.

Our governor’s race was on the line, and this young man, still in high school, dedicated his evenings and weekends to make a difference. Hiura has always been driven, justice-minded and willing to put in the work. I have watched him make phone calls, knock on doors, table at events and canvas on the streets.

Hiura embraced leadership responsibilities and began to lead volunteers in this work as well; leading meetings, supervising volunteer shifts and shepherding citizen lobbyists to lawmaker’s offices at the Salem Capitol to speak to elected leaders before he could even vote.

Hiura was raised here in north Eugene and his heart is firmly rooted in our community. He has and continues to serve on several community boards in a range of areas including education, human rights, community arts and more. Because of his love of our community and dedication to the work, he is incredibly well-connected.

He has shown up time after time, and he intimately understands the challenges Lane County families are facing. He has faced them himself. He understands and values the incredible breadth and diversity Lane County has to offer. From rural and coastal Oregonians, to Eugene/Springfield challenges and opportunities, he has consistently shown up for communities of all kinds. Hiura has advocated for progressive policies across the board, and I’ve seen him operate with integrity and respect in the face of opposition. His level head and thoughtful leadership will serve us well. 

Lane County deserves Hiura on its Board of County Commissioners. We deserve someone who represents fair and just values; someone who is willing to listen, ask questions, seek input and lead with passion and dedication. Hiura is the kind of person who stands up for others, and that’s why he deserves a seat on the commission. Please support Thomas Hiura for the Lane County Board of Commissioners on — or before — Tuesday.

Nichi Linder
Springfield