Students are facing the dual crisis of affordability and climate collapse, realities that taint our outlook as we transition into the professional sector and in our daily lives. It is this reality that demands we elect real progressives to Eugene’s City Council.

This is why Jennifer Smith is the student’s candidate for Ward 3.

As a working student, receiving an income-based scholarship to the University of Oregon, the effects of our cost-of-living crisis hit home for me. Balancing rent, textbooks, utilities and the rising cost of groceries often leaves me more perplexed than my philosophy courses. Yet this dynamic is experienced across our campus and community.

Fortunately, Smith has proven herself a champion for working people. As a proud classified employee and the president of our local Service Employees International Union 503, Smith has her ear to the ground on labor and affordability issues — a commitment that won her the endorsement of UO’s student government and all of campus labor.

But affordability is not the only issue for student voters.

Eugene must reduce greenhouse gas emissions from city operations by 26% and communitywide emissions by 39% in the next four years to meet the goals of the city’s Climate Recovery Ordinance.

As our generation comes of age under the weight of this ecological disaster, we must demand that our leaders remain vigilantly committed to our existing climate plans and go further by adopting novel adaptation and mitigation measures.

Smith had made clear that ensuring a future for working people requires a liveable environment protected for our generations and those to come. She has done so by uniting affordability and climate action around demands for investments in public transportation, residential and commercial electrification, new green spaces and a steadfast commitment to upholding our Climate Recovery Ordinance.

For students flexing their democratic muscles, this race is a great place to start. Students need a candidate who stands with working people and against an unaffordable, unlivable future for Eugene. By rising to this occasion, Jenn Smith has won my vote, and I think the vote of Eugene’s student body writ large.

Declan Zupo
Eugene