LEE BEYER ANNOUNCES PLANS TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION TO SENATE DISTRICT 6, REPRESENTING CENTRAL LANE AND LINN COUNTIES

Current Public Utility Commission Chair will leave position to run for re-election to State Senate

November 12, 2009

SPRINGFIELD – Current Public Utility Commission Chair announced today his intention to seek election to Senate District 6 during the 2010 election. Senate District 6 covers central Lane and Linn counties including the communities of Brownsville, Coburg, Creswell, Eugene, Sodaville, and Springfield. Beyer previously represented most of the area before being appointed to the PUC in 2001 and legislative reapportionment.

“I am fortunate to have been allowed to spent over three decades representing the public in various capacities,” said Beyer. “While my current position has been challenging and rewarding, the timing is right for me to retire from full-time employment and return to a job I’ve always loved – serving my fellow citizens in our state’s Legislature.”

In 2001 Gov. Kitzhaber appointed Beyer to the Oregon Public Utility Commission. Gov. Kulongoski asked Beyer to chair the Commission in 2003, serving as the agency’s chief executive. As a commissioner he has been responsible for protecting consumers and businesses from unfair rate hikes and poor service by telephone providers and energy companies. Beyer will retire from the Commission in early spring.

"Lee has proven himself as an effective legislator for the citizens of Lane County and as an effective advocate for the citizens of Oregon as the chair of the Public Utility Commission," said Governor Ted Kulongoski. "While his leadership will be missed at the PUC, the citizens of Oregon will continue to benefit from his public service as the next State Senator serving District 6."

Beyer has a long history of public service to Oregon, including over 10 years of previous experience in both the Senate and the House. In addition to his time in the Legislature, Beyer served on the Springfield City Council for 6 years as well as serving on a variety of community boards and committees. He currently serves as an elected director of the Willamalane Park District and as a Springfield city planning commissioner. As a legislator, Beyer earned a reputation as lawmaker who was successful at collaborating with all sides to find consensus on issues important to Oregonians.

“With each new challenge in public service, I’ve become increasingly invested in working to protect and improve our state,” said Beyer. “I’ve built relationships and delivered results for the citizens I’ve represented. The current hard times we find ourselves in call for experience and maturity. I think I can help. I’d be honored to return to the Capitol to represent the people of Lane and Linn Counties.”

Earlier this year, current Senate District 6 Senator announced his intention to not seek reelection.

“Lee Beyer is a legislative giant. He was a giant when he served here before and he will be again,” said Senate President . “He is one of the few people I’ve served with who truly understands business and how to make government work. He will be a tremendous asset to this state and to our Senate.”

“Lee’s ties to his community run deep,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin. “He will be a strong voice for the issues of Lane and Linn Counties and he has demonstrated an amazing ability to get things done.”

Beyer and his spouse, Representative , have three grown children and have lived in Springfield for over 40 years.

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