When I look out my window or exit the front of my house, I see Ward 3 Eugene City Council candidate John Barofsky’s values and priorities in plain view. Across the street is a section of what used to be a lush, green, urban forest between Central Boulevard and East 30th Avenue. Back in 2018, Barofsky was a member of the Eugene Planning Commission, and voted in favor of a housing development that cut numerous trees to build million-dollar homes. 

I mention price tags to counter what you might hear about his advocacy for “affordable housing.” And yes, Barofsky was only one voice on the Planning Commission, but every vote counts. My perception of him will always be that he votes for the enrichment of a developer and against the environment. 

Interestingly, in running for a nonpartisan position, John makes a point of listing “Democrat” on his campaign posters. Since when is destruction of the environment a characteristic of Democrats? And he was quoted by Lookout Eugene-Springfield as saying: “The voice that I want to bring is the voice of somebody who has run a small business, written a paycheck, as opposed to signing the back of a paycheck.” Democrat? It couldn’t be more clear that he doesn’t value the voices of the working class.

It’s time to prioritize the environment over million-dollar homes, and that’s why I won’t be voting for him. Not to disparage wolves (I love wolves!), but could he be a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

Betsy Datri
Eugene