Eugene Weekly: Letters to the Editor
KNUDSON WILL BRING POISE AND GRACE TO MAYOR’S OFFICE
Kaarin Knudson is the leader that Eugene needs as our next mayor. Over the years, I’ve witnessed her in a variety of roles and have been impressed by her poise and grace in every single one, whether that be watching her discuss Eugene’s housing crisis in a room full of people or seeing the love and respect with which she raises her children. She brings curiosity, respect, a sense of collaboration, patience and a listening ear to each conversation she’s engaged in.
Knudson’s training as an architect has supplied her with the tools to think critically about complex issues and ask thoughtful questions to better understand and solve problems. There are many ways she’s impacted this community with these skills, from community engagement around the Eugene riverfront and City Hall to our middle housing code amendments. This last example shows that she is not only committed to thinking creatively about how to address our housing and homelessness crisis in this community, but follows through beyond words with action.
If you ever wonder about the ability of Knudson to multi-task, look no further than her history as an All-American athlete and NCAA Woman of the Year during her time running track while working on her undergraduate degree at UO. This experience clearly set her up to succeed in the various roles she has as architect, planner, educator, founding director of a local nonprofit, wife, mother, friend and, hopefully, the next mayor of Eugene.
AMANDA DONOFRIO
EUGENE
EDITOR’S NOTE: SEE MORE LETTERS SUPPORTING KNUDSON’S MAYORAL CANDIDACY, AS WELL AS EXPRESSING OPINIONS ON TOPICS FROM GAS STATIONS TO THE WAR IN GAZA, IN OUR ONLINE LETTERS AT EUGENEWEEKLY.COM.
KNUDSON WILL BE A
GREAT MAYOR
I am thrilled that Kaarin Knudson is running for mayor of Eugene. She made an impression on me 15 or so years ago at work when I was in the audience during a very skilled presentation. Besides command of the topic she had a charisma that held the audience.
Fast forward many years and, as a volunteer, I became involved with advocating for more housing options, which are critically needed in Eugene. I found that Knudson was the leader of the movement. She’s smart, organized and once again demonstrates a unique ability to persuade through facts and a communication style that is respectful of everyone’s viewpoint.
She is an ideal candidate. She loves our community. She is a great listener and finds common ground. Dedication and perseverance come naturally to her. She put in the hours to become an All-American track star for Oregon. Knudson knows both the challenges of raising a family and the importance of fostering a safe and caring community with an economic engine.
It’s been my privilege to have worked with Eugene mayors for over 40 years — going back at least to Brian Obie. I know Knudson has what it takes, and then some. She will be a great mayor. Mayor Lucy Vinis and previous mayor Kitty Piercy have endorsed her. Remember her name. Vote for Knudson.
RICHIE WEINMAN
EUGENE