Heads up, Lane County. There is an extremely important county commissioner race in East Lane District 5 that will impact the entire county. Heather Buch is a proven leader prioritizing support for schools, public health, local residents and balancing economic growth with community interests. That is why she is so broadly endorsed by working families, local small businesses, educators, progressive representatives, and environmental and human rights organizations.

She also promotes responsible use of public investments for the shared common good. Buch helped secure key funding for the South Lane Clinic in Cottage Grove recently, and millions of dollars to help rebuild after wildfires tore through the McKenzie River basin in 2021.

Buch has stood up for these values and acted with integrity. For example, this summer we learned a former Seneca sawmill executive contributed almost $150,000 to election campaigns for commissioners David Loveall and Ryan Ceniga (as well as Jacob Pelroy).

These two commissioners, along with commissioner Pat Farr, then acted just months later to override their expert staff without consultation on floodplain requirements and to retroactively approve construction for multiple outbuildings on rural riverfront property owned by the donor, Kathleen Jones-McCann. In a time of increased floods and extreme weather, this decision provides short-term benefit to the owner but long-term risks to the environment and downstream users.

Buch voted to uphold county ordinances and permitting requirements as determined by qualified staff. East Lane voters — please re-elect commissioner Heather Buch. The county needs her independence and perspectives on matters that affect us all.

Deborah Mailander
Eugene