For the most part, I agree with the Lookout Eugene-Springfield Editorial Board’s endorsements for local races and ballot measures. The only exception is their endorsement of Mike Clark over Athena Aguiar for Ward 5.

We are watching our democracy crumble before our eyes, and unfortunately, none of those currently serving on the City Council seem prepared to meet the challenges that we face head on. I’ve been to a handful of City Council meetings over the last year, and just about every elected councilor claims to have no power over the current situation.

Clark in particular appears to be out of touch with his electorate. While the rest of the City Council agreed to scrounge together a $50,000 emergency fund for families affected by ICE, Clark was busy hemming and hawing over the cost before reluctantly agreeing, even though the city later paid the same amount for the giant, ugly EUG sign outside of the Hult Center. He has consistently prioritized marketing and business interests over the needs of everyday Eugenians.

Aguiar, on the other hand, understands what it’s like to struggle to pay rent because she herself is in the same situation. She is also part of the Just Cause statewide campaign, which aims to replace at-will employment with Just Cause employment, so that a manager cannot just fire somebody without having a fair reason. This would benefit many of us who have had to deal with precarious employment in low-paying sectors. It is clear that Aguiar is on the side of working-class Eugenians.

The editorial board argues that Clark will make the tough financial choices in response to lack of funding. However, austerity measures never work, and only serve to further impoverish those who are already poor, leading to greater expenses down the road, such as increased homelessness, increased crime and fewer opportunities for families to climb the economic ladder, leading, in turn, to decreased revenue for the city as taxpayers are squeezed.

Voting for an establishment candidate during times of emergency will in no way protect us. That’s why we need a candidate like Athena Aguiar who will fight for the working class!

Erica Lyon
Eugene