

Joe speaking at 2019's swearing-in ceremony
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The County Commission has been squarely focused on addressing the COVID pandemic and its effects locally in Lane County. The County has led the effort to provide free and accessible vaccination clinics, supported businesses that were economically impacted by the shutdown, and provided reliable and science-based information to all residents.
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My unwavering focus on tangible community benefits has put tens of millions of county dollars into local pockets–money that used to leave our county. Working with Oregon’s build trades unions and State Senator James Manning, I successfully passed a bill in the Legislature to allow all Oregon counties, cities, school districts, and other local districts to invest locally like we do in Lane County. Now we prioritize local jobs, local business, living wages, family health insurance, clean energy and equity in the workforce. To me, everything is talk until you put your money where your mouth is.
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I led the creation of a pragmatic, serious, county climate action plan that decreases carbon emissions, creates new jobs, and generates business. It focuses on resiliency, sustainability, and diversity in local infrastructure and other building projects.
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Locally, I helped save the Patrician Manufactured Home Park from being sold and displacing residents. We helped tenants there form a new cooperative and purchase it for themselves. Congratulations to the new Filbert Grove Cooperative!
It’s all about working hard, staying focused on results during crises, and keeping dollars and jobs here in Springfield and the county.
We need strong, sensible, aspirational and competent leadership that keeps public welfare top of mind as we open up and build back. I pledge, for Springfield and all of Lane County, to continue to do my best, speak up for those with the greatest need and least power.
In short, I’m running to create a future of health, prosperity and dignity for all, and I'd be honored to have your vote once again.

I have been blessed many times in life, including when Springfield voters gave me the opportunity to serve as their County Commissioner and, last year, when my fellow county commissioners unanimously elected me Board Chair.
When I first started my term, no one could have anticipated that Lane County would be called to establish and run Incident Command Centers for two life-changing crises – tackling the COVID emergency, and fighting the Holiday Farm Fire and rebuilding the communities devastated by it. But through steadfast determination, we can and will come back stronger than ever.
My entire life I’ve worked hard to get things done, no matter the size or scope of the challenge. Since taking office in January 2019:

Why I'm Running
Springfield's County Commissioner
Joe Berney is the best friend working people in Lane County have ever had as an elected official.
Jeff McGillivray
President, Lane Coos Curry Douglas Building Trades
