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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (May 21, 1974)
-Candidates for governor - Victor Atiyeh Atiyeh: Oregon is going to grow, question is how Republican gubernatorial candidate Victor Atiyeh has been speaking during his campaign about the issues facing Oregon in general terms rather than in specifics, because he feels this is the best way for voters to tell, "what a person is like". The 16-year veteran of the Oregon Legislature sees the major issues as hard to define, but he cited the economy and a "sense of restlessness" stemming from overcrowded conditions as im portant areas of concern. Atiyeh labeled his attitude toward growth in Oregon as realistic, saying "Oregon is going to grow - the question is how." Atiyeh is a proponent of land use planning, having sponsored "open space" legislation and SB 100, a land use planning bill that "probably wouldn't have passed if I hadn't supported it." He said growth must be encouraged to spread evenly, using the im provement of Coos Bay's tran sportation system as an example of how this might be ac complished. Regarding the energy crisis and its effects, Atiyeh said there needs to be a realization of the problem by the people, and that Senator Mark Hatfield's concept of net energy is one that should be considered; that is, how much energy it takes to make energy. He said there is no question we will run out of fossil fuels even tually, but added that substitutes will be found, using trees as an example of a renewable resource that could be used to meet the energy needs of the future. Atiyeh does not support a moratorium on the construction of nuclear power plants. He sees nuclear power plants as an interim source of energy to be used until alternate power sources can be developed. Oregonians are lucky, he said, in that they have both hydroelectric power and geothermal power potential. He is especially interested in the development of geothermal power. The 51-year-old state senator wants to see an emphasis on "basic education" in Oregon schools, with a focus on reading and writing skills. He does not favor an unrestricted curriculum at the grade school level, but feels restrictions should gradually lessen as the student approaches college. When asked about the University's current controversy concerning the EMU's serving of non-UFW lettuce, Atiyeh said he agreed with President Clark's view that colleges should not become involved in political issues of this nature. As to who would deal with the problem if he were governor, Atiyeh said, "I'm willing, at the present time, to leave that decision with the in stitution and the State Board (of Higher Education)." Brad Lemley No interview We were not able to contact these candidates for an interview: Leonard Baxter (Dem.), Pauline Smith (Dem.), William Patrick( Dem.), Johnny Woods (Dem.), Frank Heisler (Rep.), William Jolley (Rep.)and John Smet s(Rep.). Myers: a \maverick moderate' One of the aspirants in the Republican gubenrnatorial primary is Clay Myers. He is presently secretary of state, a position he has held for seven years. Dapper, astute and per petually flashing a campaign smile, Myers is well acquainted with the workings of state government. Discussing his quest for the top spot in Salem, Myers promised he would adhere closely to the policies of Gov. Tom McCall. A close friend of the governor's since they worked together on civil rights and reapportionment back in the late 1940's, Myers said his election would mean the continuation of environmental protection and other gains registered by the McCall ad ministration. The secretary of state viewed the energy crisis as an issue of paramount importance. He predicted no easing of fuel shortages and feared the federal government was being overly optimistic about the gasoline pinch. He stressed the need to increase hydro-electric output. "One way this could be ac complished," he said "is to in crease generative power on the Columbia dam system." And whereas he believes that nuclear power is only a "short term solution while we await the final energy solution," he was not averse to building nuclear power plants "in isolated areas where you can turn a sage brush desert into a veritable Garden of Eden." He cited a clean environment as a fundamental aspect of the Oregon lifestyle. At the same time he pointed out the need to attract new industry to provide jobs for the state's residents. "In order to maintain the fine standard of living in Oregon, we must achive the proper balance between environmental protection and economic development," he said. Clay Myers can be described as a "maverick moderate.” He frequently alluded to his bi partisan voting record. He has the distinction of being the first Republican secretary of state to be endorsed by the AFL-CIO. He also declared he has received contributions from both labor and business interests, though he flatty stated he has never ac cepted a donation of more than one thousand dollars. So far this year ms average campaign gift has been $40 and he has disclosed all his financial records for public scrutiny. Myers termed this independent behavior and disassociation from the political norms “Oregon Republicanism." He called it "progressive, forward look ing, problem solving and instrumental in promoting the most innovative legislation in the country." Part of being an Oregon Republican is keeping a lengthy Oregon's statewide reforms. Clay Myers finds himself in the dubious position of being im plicated in somewhat of a scandal. The controversy stems from his dismissal of Jack Thompson, his elections assistant, for accepting voters' pamphlet information after the deadline, and then back-dating late material. In response, Thompson has accused Myers of the same type of behavior. Myers emphatically denied any Clay Myers distance trom wasnington, u.u. And because of this disjunction Myers feels Watergate will have little effect on elections in Oregon. Despite his effort to project a liberal, open-handed image, Myers spouted a good share of the old Free Enterprise Republican party dogma. He expressed skepticism of federal programs and suggested that other states might emulate wrongdoing and stated that this case is "totally different" from any of the allegations Thompson is flinging back at him. Myers conceded that the Thompson affair has hurt him. He says, however, he had no real choice. "I couldn't worry about the political considerations," he said. "You can only do what you think is right." ( Continued on Page 19) COURTRIGHT SAYS.. ■ # Darwin Courtnght • That government should serve the people not control them. • That elected officials should listen to the people they represent and oct accordingly. • That the people that own the land must hove more choice in how that land will be used. • That necessary service can be provided without an increase in taxes. • That Industry and Government can work hand in hand to solve the unemployment problems in Lane County. • That I am the most Qualified Candidate for Commissioner with nearly 10 years of proven ability. • That the people of Lone County are ready for a return to real istic county government of, by, and for the people. □ VOTE COURTRIGHT FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER COURTRIGHT FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER
