Springfield City Club and the League of Women Voters of Lane County are pleased to host a forum for all candidates for the Springfield seat on the Lane County Board of County Commissioners. The forum will take place at noon on April 16 at Roaring Rapids Pizza, 4006 Franklin Boulevard in Glenwood.

The public is invited to attend, and there is no charge. The forum will follow a moderated format, featuring facilitated questions, with an opportunity for attendees to submit questions for consideration. The forum will also be livestreamed on Zoom and made available as a video on the Springfield City Club YouTube channel the following day.

Three candidates have filed for election to the seat:

• David Loveall, Commissioner, Lane County
• William Monsoor
• Sean VanGordon, Mayor, City of Springfield

Commissioner Loveall writes that he is 64, married 46 years to Nita, a six-year Navy veteran, life-long entrepreneur, developer and former pastor, world-wide missionary and teacher of men. His journey toward a political endeavor is typical of his approach to life. Putting “skin in the game” is the key. Rolling up his sleeves, immersing fully in the process, working hard and applying vision to the issues facing Springfield and Lane County are just what you’d expect from someone that acts on their dreams, beliefs and faith…

Mr. Monsoor writes that his work with children and families at many school districts in Lane County through the Lane Education Service District will be a valuable asset to the citizens of Lane County. He is also a retired Crisis Clinician, Military Veteran, Forestry Aide (Recreation, Timber, Range, Wildland firefighter, natural resources management) with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). As stewards of National Forest Lands, the Forest Service is committed to strengthening relationships with Indian Tribes that have lived in the Pacific Northwest since time immemorial.

Additional experience includes Group Worker, Community Justice and Rehabilitation, Juvenile Justice Center, a branch of the Lane County Government Department of Youth Services. Qualified Mental Health Associate, Lane County Behavioral Health. Direct Support Care, State of Oregon Department of Human Services. Civil Service Worker (supporting military personnel to maintain operational readiness and contribute to international peace and security), U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) civil service. Civil Service Worker (Europe through NATO to contribute to international peace and security), Global Affairs Canada, Civil Service Commission of Canada (now the Public Service Commission), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), The Department of National Defense, and the Canadian Armed Forces. Peace Officer/Group Supervisor (counseling, security, and rehabilitation), The California Youth Authority (CYA), now largely operating under the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Division of Juvenile Justice.

Mayor VanGordon writes that he leads with the clear purpose of putting people first. As Mayor of Springfield, he has focused on the simple idea that the government should make life easier for the families who live and work here. For the people he serves, that has meant more places to work, more places to gather, and a local government that shows up and gets things done.

Sean has called Lane County home since 2001, when he moved to attend the University of Oregon. He earned a master’s degree in economics and a bachelor’s in political science, and in 2007, he and his wife, Elaine, bought their first home in Springfield. Today, they’re raising twin daughters, Katie and Livy, along with their dog Marcus, while cheering on the Ducks and frequenting their favorite local restaurants.

Sean believes in Lane County. He wants a community where families can build their life and their businesses can grow. The leadership and collaboration that strengthens Springfield is the leadership that Sean is committed to bringing to Lane County.