I’ve been trying for weeks to put into words why it is critical that Eugene re-elect Kitty Piercy for Mayor over Jim Torrey. All it took was for me to open the first page of the current Eugene Weekly. I know that the Weekly isn’t exactly the place to find balanced journalism, but these two letters I read summed it all up.

The Viewpoint article by Amy Pincus Merwin catches you from the beginning: The soul of Eugene is at stake.

That is a simply put as can be! I know Jim Torrey and politics aside, he is a good guy. I’ve worked with him for Kidsports and his efforts for kids are genuine and welcome. I just don’t think that he is capable of sympathizing with or understanding what most of the people in this town who are not like him want out of a mayor or city government. What people don’t seem to understand is that we can’t just treat Eugene as ANY city. Sure, Jim would make a very good and productive mayor for most cities out there. Eugene is different. We are a unique place that needs to be handled in a special way and for all to acknowledge, even if you don’t agree with it, that taking away the things most Eugeneans stand for, makes it just any other city out there.

I was also shocked to see the RG change their endorsement from Kitty to Torrey in just 5 short months. Either it proves that an endorsement can be bought, or that the RG has lost their ability to give a reasoned opinion. I was very glad to see Don Bishoff call them out on that one!

The economy will cause some to have knee jerk reactions thinking that we are in a crisis that only Torrey can fix. Well, I argue that through continuing the models of sustainability and green economy that Kitty has already built, we can stay stronger for longer and be a example of how NOT to do it the Torrey way, by selling out to expansion from outside growth.

What Eugene does not need is a Mayor who will divide the city. With his positions on law enforcement will do just that economic growth. Growing up and out will not solve Eugene’s issues or build any foundation for our future. Taking a look at what makes Eugene special and growing from within will.

Is your Eugene better than it was 4 years ago? Mine is.