A Local and National Environmental Leader
Pete is a nationally recognized leader in protecting our land, air, water, trees and soil. He has a 100 percent rating from the Oregon League of Conservation voters.  Most recently, he opposed a plan to allow private water developers to extract water from the McKenzie River. Pete wants to retain 1.3 million acres of federal forest land in public hands, despite pleas from some to “compromise” and sell them to the timber industry. Pete has voted against costly freeway development and in favor of mass transit, bicycling and pedestrians.

That’s why Oregon Wild presented Pete with its Award for Vision. Pete has lectured at more than 20 law schools in the United States on environmental and public health law. He was the only county commissioner in the nation invited by Congressional Democrats to testify on decoupling county forest payments from logging levels, and President Clinton invited Pete to the White House signing of the Secure Rural Schools Act.

Public Education at all Levels
Pete is a product of Oregon’s public schools. He has never forgotten his experience as a graduate of Southwestern Oregon Community College. He earned three degrees at the University of Oregon, and both his children attended Family School, Roosevelt Middle School and South Eugene High School. Pete has given thousands of hours back — as Kidsports and YMCA assistant coach, a visitor to high school government and history classes, and serving as an adjunct law professor at the University of Oregon.

Pete believes public education is integral to the promise of equal opportunity, and the only way to ensure the lives of our children are better than our own. That’s why he campaigned for a local measure to fund public schools last spring. As a state senator, Pete served on the Senate’s education committee.

Jobs and a sustainable economy
Pete believes it is necessary to build a sustainable economy in Lane County. We cannot rely on one or two large industries for all our development. As chairman of the board of county commissioners, he voted to direct economic development dollars into small sustainable businesses, including Arcimoto and Glory Bee Honey. We must invest in small businesses — even micro businesses — in the hope that they will prosper and remain in Eugene to produce sustainable, good-paying jobs.
Human Rights
Pete believes equality and human rights are issues of concern for a county commissioner. Pete was one of three county commissioners who voted to extend health care benefits to the same-sex partners of Housing Agency employees. Two commissioners opposed the extension of these basic protections. Without Pete’s support, the measure would have failed. Pete is a longtime supporter of marriage equality, and has been given the ‘green light’ from Basic Rights Oregon. Pete opposed the dismantling of the county’s human rights commission. Pete testified in favor of changing the name of Centennial Boulevard to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, a fitting tribute to Dr. King’s legacy.
Equal and fair taxation
Speaking out on the biggest issues of the day is important. But sometimes the most rewarding part of being a county commissioner is helping people in their everyday lives. Pete has helped constituents adopt a baby from India, helped Whiteaker residents get information on what chemicals are sprayed on the railroad tracks, and make sure trash got picked up on 30th avenue. If you ever need assistance with your local government, call Pete at (541) 485-6726 .
Animal Welfare
Pete strongly supports taking better care of animals. As a state senator, he learned that those who abuse children and spouses often have a documented history of animal abuse. For his work on these issues, he was given an award by the Oregon Humane Society. As a county commissioner, he has focused on animal welfare more than any other commissioner. Although there is much more work to do, Pete has made a difference in how animals are treated in Lane County.
Veterans
Lane County has the largest number of veterans of any county in Oregon. Pete’s father was a World War II veteran and knew that veterans and their families need assistance. That’s why he spearheaded the effort to expand the Lane County Veterans Services Office. For this work, he was given the “Going to Bat for Veterans” award from the Lane County Veterans Association.