Three Candidates, And Questions: What’s Next for East Lane?

Candidates for Lane County commissioner seats took the stage April 13 at the Wildish Community Theater, offering voters a detailed look at their priorities on economic development, public safety, and natural resource management.

The forum, hosted by Lookout Eugene Springfield, featured races in District 2 (Springfield area), West Lane County, and East Lane County. In the East Lane County race, incumbent Commissioner Heather Buch faces challengers Jake Pelroy and Bob Zybak.

Buch, who lives in Spencer Creek, pointed to her rural roots and professional background in affordable housing and special projects with St. Vincent de Paul as key qualifications for the role. She highlighted more than $27 million secured for recovery efforts following the Holiday Farm Fire, along with over $1 million in waived permit fees to assist rebuilding efforts. Buch also cited the opening of the South Lane Health Clinic in Cottage Grove as a significant accomplishment during her tenure.

Pelroy, a Marine Corps veteran who grew up in Veneta and served three tours in Iraq, centered his campaign on concerns with the county’s land management division and gaps in public safety coverage. Speaking from small business viewpoint, Pelroy said he frequently hears from residents frustrated by permitting delays and limited sheriff patrol presence. He emphasized the need for more efficient county processes and stronger support for law enforcement.

Creswell resident Zybak focused heavily on forestry policy, arguing that decades-old environmental regulations tied to the northern spotted owl have contributed to Lane County’s economic challenges. Holding a doctorate in forestry and drawing on 25 years in the reforestation business, Zybak called for a return to active forest management and increased timber harvesting. He stressed that type of shift could reduce reliance on federal payments such as PILT (Payments in Lieu of Taxes) and SRS (Secure Rural Schools) funding.

The candidates shared differing strategies for economic growth across Lane County.

Pelroy stressed the importance of reducing regulatory hurdles and keeping costs low for businesses. He said the county should play a more active role in advocating for local businesses at the state and federal levels while improving efficiency within its own departments.

Buch highlighted ongoing efforts by the county’s economic development team to prepare industrial land for investment. She pointed to a $2 million semiconductor-related industrial lands loan for Coburg, as well as support for regional manufacturing projects.

Zybak tied economic develop-ment almost entirely to forestry, arguing that roughly 1.6 million acres of underutilized forestland could be brought back into production to generate jobs and revenue.

Discussion of timber harvesting underscored sharp differences among the candidates.

Zybak offered a historical perspective, stating that O&C lands held an estimated 50 billion board feet of timber in 1937 and now contain roughly 70 billion. He advocated for a return to harvest levels seen between 1960 and 1990, when annual production reached approximately one billion board feet.

Pelroy expressed support for the Bureau of Land Management’s updated resource management plan for O&C lands, noting that small businesses are given priority access to timber sales through federal programs.

Buch noted that the Lane County Board of Commissioners has no direct authority over federal forest policy but said local leaders must ensure community voices are heard in federal planning decisions. She added that Oregon’s economy has diversified since the timber downturn of the late 20th century and questioned whether increased logging would deliver the economic gains some predict.

The forum provided contrasts in experience and policy direction as the Lane County commissioner race approaches the May primary election. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two will face off again in November.