Candidates for three Lane County Board of Commissioners seats discussed different strategies on housing affordability, public safety funding, and rural investment during a public forum hosted by Lookout Eugene-Springfield on April 13. The event took place at the Wildish Community Theater in Springfield ahead of the May 19 primary election.
The discussion is important as Lane County faces ongoing challenges related to housing shortages, limited law enforcement coverage, and gaps in rural services. These issues affect both urban and rural residents across multiple districts.
In the Springfield District 2 race, incumbent Commissioner David Loveall said, “It’s not up to the government to build housing. It’s up to the government to get out of the way so that housing can be built.” Challenger Sean VanGordon agreed that local governments should set conditions for investing in building housing and said county officials need clarity about property uses. Candidate William Monsoor suggested modifying building codes to encourage development and expressed uncertainty about future federal funding for affordable housing.
For West Lane District 1, incumbent Ryan Ceniga called for loosening regulations: “We need to open up the system so we can build more houses,” he said. Ceniga also highlighted efforts like expanding urban growth reserves and land-banking programs. Challenger Thomas Hiura shared personal experiences with homelessness in his family and called for solutions that ensure people can live locally. Both candidates noted concerns over limited sheriff’s patrols; Hiura said only about three deputies are patrolling each night.
In East Lane District 5, incumbent Heather Buch referenced ongoing efforts such as the Affordable Housing Action Plan aimed at preparing sites for new development. Challenger Jake Pelroy pointed out delays within Land Management as a barrier: “Overall, the Land Management Division needs to be more of a partnership with the people that are out there rather than an adversary.” Candidate Bob Zybach connected current challenges with past job losses due to changes in forest management policy: “We have lost thousands of jobs in the last 30-35 years because of changes in forest management policy,” Zybach said.
The forum provided voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates on key issues affecting their communities ahead of next month’s primary.
