Lane County voters in the East Lane District are heading to the polls next week for a runoff election that will decide who will fill the county commissioner seat. Incumbent Heather Buch, seeking a third four‑year term, has a substantial financial advantage over challenger Jake Pelroy.
Campaign finances show stark disparity
According to the latest campaign filings, Buch reported $119,609 in cash on hand, while Pelroy reported only $11,036. That means Buch’s war chest is roughly ten times larger than Pelroy’s.
Buch’s campaign has raised $470,850 in 2026, carrying over $72,274 from the previous year. She has spent $422,665.63 so far. Pelroy’s campaign raised $510,281 in 2026, with a $29,503 carry‑over, and has spent $529,048 to date.
Key donors and issue focus
Both campaigns have received contributions from the waste and recycling industry, reflecting the central role of the CleanLane project in the race. Buch supports the planned county recycling facility and is backed by fellow commissioners Pat Farr and Laurie Trieger. Pelroy’s public‑affairs firm previously provided publicity for a local haulers group that opposes the project.
Notable contributions include $6,000 from Texas‑based Waste Connections, the owner of hauler Sanipac, to Pelroy’s campaign. Sanipac has been criticized by county officials for sending much of Lane County’s trash to a landfill in Jackson County rather than the county’s own Short Mountain Landfill, raising concerns about the viability of the CleanLane project.
Bulk Handling Systems, an Eugene‑based company contracted to operate the facility if built, saw its CEO Steve Miller donate $2,000 to Buch’s campaign.
What the race means for voters
The East Lane District covers a wide area, including Cottage Grove, Creswell, Oakridge, Lowell, Westfir, Coburg, parts of west Eugene, and numerous unincorporated communities such as Goshen, Pleasant Hill, Dexter, Walterville, Vida, Blue River, McKenzie Bridge and Marcola. County commissioners are nonpartisan officials who vote on land use, public works, human services and zoning matters that directly affect daily life in these communities.
With voting already underway and the pool of reachable voters shrinking each day, the financial gap could allow Buch to reach more voters through mailers, phone calls and advertising before Election Day on November 3.
Looking ahead
Both candidates remain focused on the CleanLane project, a contentious issue that pits environmental concerns against waste‑management logistics. Voters will weigh each candidate’s stance on the recycling facility, as well as their broader vision for the district’s future.
The runoff will determine who will help shape Lane County policy on land use, infrastructure and public services for the next four years. Residents are encouraged to review the candidates’ positions and get out to vote.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
