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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 18, 2000)
Lee resigns early, Bettman steps right in ■ Many consider City Councilor Bobby Lee as an outspoken advocate for young people, himself the youngest councilor in Eugene By Rebecca Newell Oregon Daily Emerald The University lost an invaluable voice in city politics on Sept. 10 when Ward 3 City Councilor Bob by Lee official ly resigned from his posi tion. Lee, 31, cut short his second two year city coun cil career by Lee four months, opting for a career move and change of scenery. “Students have been very good to me,” Lee said. “I like the energy they bring into our community. I’ll miss being part of the university culture. ” Lee, Eugene’s youngest council Fired deputy accused of more abuse SEATTLE (AP) — A King County sheriff’s deputy fired for using un necessary force during last year’s World Trade Organization riots has been accused by fellow officers of three other incidents involving questionable use of pepper spray during the disturbances. John Vanderwalker, a sheriff’s patrol officer for 19 years, was fired in April by Sheriff Dave Reichert. At the time, Reichert said that during a protest on Seattle’s Capitol Hill last Dec. 1, Vanderwalker used pepper spray on three people in a car, and earlier had kicked a first aid worker wearing a red-and white cross. Two of the people in the car, Melissa Benton and Shauna Pulas ki, videotaped the incident and the tape was widely played on local television. They have sued Vander walker and King County in federal court, with trial set for December. In court documents filed this week in the lawsuit, two deputies say the saw Vanderwalker involved in other questionable incidents Dec. 1. One deputy said he saw Vander walker pepper-spray a young man who was on his hands and knees. The incident seemed to be puni tive, rather than for law-enforce ment purpose, the deputy said. Another deputy said he saw Van derwalker pepper-spray a woman carrying a bag a groceries, and with other officers, spray several people standing on an apartment balcony. Vanderwalker’s attorney, Bob Christie, called those allegations “innuendo and rumor” and said no other citizens had stepped forward to complain. He said Vanderwalker was not out of control with his pep per spray and was only following the orders to clear the streets. Christie also disputed Benton and Pulaski’s accounts, saying the two had disobeyed police orders and that Vanderwalker saw their car as a threat. Vanderwalker has challenged his dismissal from the sheriff’s office. The WTO meetings last year were marked by widespread demonstrations and rioting, which led to the shutdown of Seattle’s downtown business district and rtiillions of dollars in damages. member, left Eugene to fill the posi tion of director of youth services and governmental affairs at Worksystems Inc., another step in his continuing efforts to improve the lives of Oregon youth. “I’ve always felt bad for the staff,” Lee said, “because it’s hard to have someone my age telling them what to do.” Though his own youth was a fac tor in his council position, he was able to dive right into city business. “I came to this community 12 years ago and this community wel comed and embraced me,” Lee said. “Four years ago this commu nity gave me the ultimate gift, a chance to make a difference.” When asked what decision dur ing his time on council stands out in his mind the most, Lee replied, “When we passed the camping ban ordinance that prevented people from sleeping anywhere in the city. We changed that law to allow church parking lots to be used for camping and provided porti-pots. Also, we changed the law so people could offer their property as shelter for homeless.” Despite such achievements, there is still a great deal to be done in Eugene, according to Lee. “The financial health part of the city is a big concern for me,” Lee said. “Over the last four years, we have bandaged the problem. We are too dependent on property taxes.” Even while important city busi ness will be left to his successor, Bonnie Bettman, Lee will be re membered by his colleagues and constituents alike as a dedicated civil servant who found popularity during his two terms. In fact, when Mayor Jim Torrey discussed with his staff “who are the people who could run for mayor who would be the toughest to beat", he concluded “at the top of the list is Bobby Lee.” While many are remembering Lee’s service to the community, Bettman is focused on her upcom ing role as city councilwoman. “I think I’ve been preparing for this role for the past 10 years,” Bettman said. “I’ve done a lot of volunteering on city committees and work in the community.” Bettman is continuing a tradition Lee established, while he carries on $20 on 1st donation $30 on 2nd donation* 150 lor the first week extra for first-time don< if - - his id —i m Bioceis+epi—Evg£n£ 1 Bloch east of 8th and Garfield 1901 West 8th Ave., Eugene 683-9430 also at 225 B Main St. in Springl HAIRCUTS EXPRESS Haircuts for Everyone! 00 No Appointment Necessary Open M-F: 9am-7pm Sat: 9am-6pm 29th & Willamette Inside Rite-Aid 302-6100 his work in Portland. “I will be working with at-risk and homeless youth helping them develop skills to get jobs,” Lee said of his position at the work force agency for Portland and Multnom ah, Washington and Tillamook counties. “I’ll also be working with governmental affairs working on states education reformat.” “It is amazing, his energy level,” said State Sen. Susan Castillo. “It is our loss and Portland's great gain.” While Lee has no current aspirations to seek elected of fice in Port land, he says 1 there is always the opportuni Bettman ty “I’m still getting to know the Portland community,” he said. “Maybe years from now, if I felt there was something out there I felt strongly enough about, I would run for office.” Money doesn't grow on trees. Use your DUCK BUCKS" for savings all term. Stop by Suite 300 EMU for a free copy. Birkenstock Mephisto Dansko Simple Clarks Teva Ecco Naot Haf linger Blundstone Josef Seibel... FOOT WISE THE BIRKENSTOCK STORE 181 E. Broadway • Dowtown • 342-6107 Mon-Fri 10-6 and Sun 11 -5 lllfllftllllllKVlIIIIIIIIIIVIIlflKilVIlllllllllllflflllMIIIIIIIII ONDLR /)
