founded partially through people talking in open public space. Public spaces have a long history of encouraging diverse citizens to interact in a way that they don’t in businesses. For the city to disconnect from that legacy, especially in these times where our society is perhaps more divided than ever, to build a gentrifying apartment complex is not the right option. We need to improve the space but not lose the space. Jasun Plaedo Wellman Eugene ESCAPING THE TALLY With regards to the Toxics Right-to- Know program [news brief, 1/7], what Lisa Arkin of Beyond Toxics does not know is that the total program is a joke and always has been. Just before the bill was approved by the city, in a public meeting I attended because I was part owner of a small business that was affected by it, I spoke not against the bill but to make it really work, as my family also lives here in Eugene. I testifi ed that the bill had been written by an employee of the UO and was fl awed in the wording. It reads, “manufacturers who produce” and I requested it changed to read “organizations and manufacturers.” The reason being at that time there were 27 manufacturers that produced a total of approximately 3 tons of hazardous waste, but the UO and PeaceHealth together produced almost 15 to 20 tons of extremely hazardous waste yearly which, under the current wording, would not be monitored. Randy Papé, who was on the board, said, “I truly agree with you, Mr. Walker, but this is the way the bill was written and we have to go with it.” Every dollar donated to ShelterBox USA during the Show will be matched up to $10,000 by Show Management. Make your donation at the Eugene Delta Rotary exhibit with the actual emergency aid supplies & tent delivered to families worldwide who have lost everything during natural disasters and humanitarian crises. ShelterBoxUSA.org annual January 22-24 Speaking 3 Days! Win Prizes! Book Signings! Design Ideas for Smaller Spaces & Outdoor Rooms Saturday’s Resilient Gardener Workshops Crops, Greens, Tomato's & Open Seed Source Edible Garden Seminars Oregon Crafted Homes for Small Living EUGENEWEEKLY.COM • JANUARY 21, 2016 5