City & Government, Springfield

Springfield D7 State Rep candidate Q&A: John Lively and Cory Burket

SPRINGFIELD — Voters in District 7 on Nov. 5 will vote for incumbent candidate John Lively or opponent Cory Burket for the House District seat. 

Lively, 77, of Springfield, has two adult children and is married to a retired elementary school teacher. 

He served in the U.S. Army from 1968-71 and on Springfield City Council and as mayor from 1976-86. He has been the D-7 State Representative since 2013.

He has previously worked in heavy manufacturing, retail, economic development, semiconductor manufacturing, call-center management for the software industry, landscape architecture, and land use, communications, and public relations.

According to Lively, one word that describes his leadership style is “collaborative,” one word that describes him at his best is “supportive,” and one word that describes him at his worst is “impatient.” 

Burket, 46, originally from  Jacksonville, Ore., has three children, ages 22, 20, and 18, and is married to an associate philanthropy director at the Eugene Mission.

He is a senior estimator at LJ Pearson Construction and has experience in trade work, being a small business owner, and in corporate operations. He did not list experience in the public sector, military, or former elected offices.

According to Burket, one word to describe his leadership style is “steadfast,” and one way to describe him at his best is “present,” and one word to describe him at his worst is “absent.”

Both candidates participated in The Chronicle Q&A and submitted a column and bio for voters’ consideration.


The January 2024 ice storm damaged at least 20,000 street trees and downed power lines, creating days-long widespread power outages in Springfield. Many residents were left without heat, water, or a way to communicate with others for several days. What is your strategy for ensuring that Springfield residents and the City’s infrastructure can better weather powerful storms?

LIVELY: I am open to what the state can do to respond and recover, particularly any support from emergency management at the state level. In addition, I am working on legislation regarding microgrids in communities, which would be a backup for local citizens in cases of power outages.

BURKET: We must look at the regulatory environment coming from Salem lawmakers and bureaucrats who are making it harder and more expensive for power companies to keep their infrastructure up to date. Regulations from House Bill 2021 (2021) are keeping power companies preoccupied with trying to comply with green energy mandates instead of good service to customers. My opponent voted for that bill and it’s driving up bills by requiring power companies to sell us more expensive, less reliable energy. We can’t continue to mandate more and more and expect better and better service at an affordable price.


Like many cities, Springfield grapples with housing affordability issues. Rising home prices and limited affordable housing availability can strain residents’ budgets and contribute to homelessness. What are your proposals to address the affordable housing crisis in D-7, and how can we increase the supply of affordable housing units?

LIVELY: I have already supported millions of dollars at the state level to help offset costs leading to more affordable housing, In addition, I have supported additional funds for Springfield to pay for needed infrastructure such as sewers in Springfield. At the end of the day, it is a long-term problem requiring work by both the public and private sectors. Currently, I am working in the legislature to get more funds to address additional infrastructure needed, means to offset system development charges and changes to land use regulations hampering development.

BURKET: The state government has spent the last decade increasing regulations on home building. These regulations, which John Lively supports like “Climate-Friendly, Equitable Communities,” will continue to drive up housing costs by imposing Portland bureaucrats’ visions of what they want cities like Springfield to look like. 

I work as an estimator in the home construction industry. The supply of land and the regulations we have to deal with to build on the amount of land we do have makes it incredibly expensive. 

We’ve spent the last decade trying to subsidize housing with taxpayer dollars, and housing prices have continued to rise. We cannot subsidize our way out of this problem. We need more systemic reform.


PeaceHealth at the County recently announced the development of the Timber Springs Behavioral Health Hospital and the nearby Lane Stabilization Center on InternationalWay, which will expand mental health resources in the community. What will you do to support the growth of health-related industries — one of Springfield’s top employment sectors?

LIVELY: I have served on the Health Care Committee and the Behavioral Health Committee in the House in previous sessions, where we worked on providing funding through the CCOs and many behavioral health organizations to increase pay and availability of services to those who need them. In addition, I continue to support efforts to attract and train much-needed providers. I will continue to support all efforts at the state and with local providers to ensure that needed services are available. Finally, I have supported in the past. I will continue to support the provider tax, which, when combined with federal funds, provides much-needed funding to support those who can least afford to pay the costs of any medical services.

BURKET: Mental health and substance abuse treatment is a top priority for me. My wife works at the Eugene Mission, where they focus on sobriety-centered treatment for those struggling with addiction. But the state has banned these kinds of organizations from getting any support from the state while they are spending millions of dollars on needle exchanges and “harm reduction” that continue to enable drug abuse. 

We’ve got to expand outcome-oriented services. To that end, we must reform Oregon’s burdensome “Certificate of Need” regime that increases costs and delays the development of these kinds of treatment facilities. Current law requires these mental and behavioral health facilities to get approval from the Oregon Health Authority. Just earlier this year, John Lively voted against a bill (HB 4139) that would have made it easier for these facilities to open. In contrast, I would support that kind of legislation if elected.


The Oregon Department of Education recently released its assessment data, gauging students’ education levels across English and language arts, math, and science. Few schools recorded over 50% of students proficient in any subject. For example, less than 5% of Springfield High students scored proficient in math. What are your priorities for improving public education in Springfield, and how can we ensure all students have access to a high-quality education?

LIVELY: I find the results very disappointing, especially considering the billions of dollars we have provided for the past several sessions to ensure adequate funding. Part of the Student Success Act was to have been better focus and accountability. In some cases, it may not have had enough time to work, but in others, adjustments need to be made. Agreeing to a plan to improve results is my priority and then making sure we, along with our partners at the local school boards and the educators, are held accountable. More money is not necessarily the only answer.

BURKET: We need to reinstate the graduation standards that John Lively voted to repeal. In 2021, he voted to scrap the Essential Skills graduation standard that required students to show proficiency in reading, writing, and math in order to graduate. 

In 2023, he stood by while the Oregon Board of Education voted to scrap them again, and then earlier this year voted against a bill to reinstate these standards. He’s gone out of his way to dumb down our schools and lower the bar for our students. 

We also need to give families more options to choose an educational environment that works best for their students. It’s 2024. Not every student learns best in a classroom full of 30 or more kids. Increasing access to charter schools, online schools, and career and technical education is key to getting parents back involved and invested in their kids’ education and providing the best shot at future success.


Healthcare costs continue to increase, making it difficult for many older adults to afford necessary treatments and medications. What are your plans to improve access to affordable healthcare for older adults in Springfield, including prescription drugs, preventive care, and residents with chronic conditions?

LIVELY: The best way is to continue to fund the programs that help provide access, including CCOs, provider tax, and a wide range of subsidies that address the needs of those who can least afford to pay. In addition, the state continues to work to address the high costs of drugs by calling for transparency in pricing, more accountability for pharmacy benefit providers (third parties), and close coordination with the efforts at the federal level to lower the costs of drugs. In addition, efforts continue to train additional providers to make access quicker and easier.

BURKET:  Taxes like Measure 118 are going to make things even worse. That’s why I have vocally opposed the measure. It would tax everyday essentials, including medicine and healthcare. The Corporate Activities Tax also increases the costs of healthcare.

We have a shortage of healthcare providers right now that is driving increased costs. There are two ways of tackling this: 1) Decrease the demand for healthcare by promoting healthy diets and lifestyles. This is a more long-term approach that the government has done a horrible job at. And 2) Increase the supply of providers. We need to find ways to encourage providers to practice in Oregon. I support ideas like the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact, which means we recognize the training of other states for nurses. John Lively voted twice against considering that concept in 2023 (HB 2408). I would support that, and concepts like it ease the burden of those providers who want to move to Oregon and practice here.


A note from John Lively: I appreciate the support I received during my 12 years of service as your State Representative. I am proud of the state support I, along with local partners, have been able to secure to move our city forward. I pride myself in being able to work across the aisle to find solutions that address the issues based on the differences in communities, versus the one model works for all. I take a conservative approach to understanding and spending state funds, recognizing that I am only one vote. Mostly, my office works very hard to address issues raised by constituents regarding state government and stay in close contact with local leaders to understand local needs regarding any potential legislation.” Candidate’s website: ElectJohnLively.com


A note from Cory Burket: Over the past year, campaigning for Springfield’s State Representative has revealed a new side of our community. I’ve been inspired by the dedication of hard-working families and local business owners, all looking for a government that offers real solutions to Springfield’s challenges.

I help build homes in Springfield, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the government policies that get in the way of building affordable housing. My experience on the Springfield Chamber of Commerce Board and as a small business owner has shown me that our community is one that can solve problems, when given the chance.

Unfortunately, state laws and bureaucrats have increasingly imposed their vision on Springfield, disregarding residents’ voices. From climate mandates driving up the cost of living to House Bill 3115 enabling homelessness in Springfield, this top-down approach has led to struggles for working families. 

I believe Springfield’s future depends on compassionate leadership and practical solutions. We must address homelessness with empathy and accountability, empowering local organizations offering effective, sobriety-oriented services. Candidate’s website: CoryBurket.com.

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