Dear Editor:
This year we have an exciting candidate running for Oregon State Representative in District 7: Ky Fireside.
I’ve seen Ky speak at local events and city council meetings, using the opportunity to elevate the concerns of community members including workers, people of color, and immigrants. Ky spoke against cuts to the Springfield Public Library and led a recall effort against the Springfield school board members who made the decision to lay off teachers midyear despite alternative budget options.
When you read Ky’s bio, you see more of that commitment to community-minded action: unionizing the first Starbucks in Oregon despite corporate union busting efforts, serving as a rapid responder to ICE and abuses of the immigration system, and joining University Health Services during the pandemic to help students access healthcare and financial aid. These efforts highlight Ky’s commitment to working class people, to the safety of all community members, and to affordable healthcare for all.
When Flock installed surveillance cameras that could threaten our privacy and safety, Ky co-founded Eyes Off Eugene-Springfield (EOES). They met with city council members, the mayor, the police chief, state reps, and U.S. senators. Ultimately, Flock’s cameras were shut down and removed.
Further, Ky spent a tremendous amount of (unpaid) time at the capitol appealing to the Oregon Senate Judiciary Committee and helped pass SB 1516. This law regulates automatic license plate readers by limiting data sharing in order to protect our constitutional rights to privacy. It’s notable that Ky is the only candidate in this race to have crafted legislation. That experience will come in handy in Salem.
I am impressed. When so many politicians seem to sit on their hands as they offer platitudes, Ky is doing policy work behind the scenes and out there fighting and organizing too. It’s inspiring to see a candidate that favors action and a principled stand over business as usual.
That’s why Ky has my vote, and I hope yours.
Shaun Daniel, Springfield
