Governing requires the courage to connect with people and vote for what is right, even when powerful interests demand the opposite. Ky Fireside, candidate for state representative, has that courage.

As a Starbucks union organizer, Fireside faced a well-funded anti-union campaign. They didn’t back down. They withstood unfair labor practices and intense courtroom sessions to defend workers’ rights. Because workers’ rights are human rights. 

When Flock Safety mass surveillance came to our community, invading our privacy and tracking our movements, Fireside stood up to the multi-billion dollar private surveillance firm because it was the right thing to do. And when cities canceled Flock contracts, Fireside took the issue to the state to pass a law protecting our data, again winning against wealthy corporations.

Fireside worked at the University of Oregon Health Center during the pandemic and connected with people over the failures of our health system. That experience fuels their commitment to health care for all, and they’ll be able to stand up to the insurance lobby, just as they’ve stood up to other corporate Goliaths.

Fireside is also the best candidate for affordable housing decisions because they will put people ahead of commercial interests. Who else would we trust to win against private equity?

As a health care worker in Lane County, I see firsthand the benefits that affordable and accessible health care, privacy, worker’s rights and access to basic needs will have on our community.

Springfield needs a representative who has demonstrated unwavering integrity: Ky Fireside.

Rachel Geissler
Springfield