The Lookout Eugene-Springfield Editorial Board reaffirmed its endorsement of Heather Buch earlier this month, arguing that a commissioner cannot be judged on a single issue.

Six days later, another editorial raised former county counsel Rob Bovett’s warning that Lane County could face more than $300 million in liability if CleanLane fails and the contract’s safeguards prove inadequate. His assessment remains disputed, but it raises serious questions about county oversight.

Lookout’s initial endorsement of Buch before the May primary described the costs raised by challenger Jake Pelroy and other critics as “largely theoretical.” Pelroy had already challenged CleanLane’s fees for garbage haulers and its projected costs. Bovett’s subsequent warning concerns different contractual risks, but it gives those earlier objections fresh significance.

Buch and Laurie Trieger joined Pat Farr in approving CleanLane. In August 2024, Commissioner David Loveall moved to put the project before voters in May 2025. Ryan Ceniga seconded the motion, which failed 2-3.

Buch then moved to renew County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky’s authority to sign the contract without another board vote. Her motion passed 3-2, and negotiations continued afterward.

Loveall also challenged Mokrohisky’s handling of CleanLane, alleging earlier this year that changes to the contract shifted financial liability toward the county without adequate disclosure to commissioners. Those claims remain disputed, but his objections preceded Bovett’s disclosures.

Lookout’s most recent endorsement emphasized Buch’s broader responsibilities and the importance of political balance. But sound judgment about major financial commitments is itself a fundamental responsibility of county government.

With Election Day approaching, voters deserve answers: What did commissioners know when they authorized CleanLane? What safeguards did they require? What did they do when the project’s assumptions began to fail?

Commissioner-elect Sean VanGordon will join a board responsible for answering those questions and deciding what comes next. Voters should demand that scrutiny from Buch now and from the full board after the election.

Joshua Purvis
Eugene