Sandra Bishop is the only candidate for Lane County Commission, District 3, with directly applicable experience as an elected leader. She served 10 years on the Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) as a member of a very diverse 5-member board overseeing a large, complex organization.
Her track record of accomplishments while on EWEB include:
Extending fibre optics to downtown Eugene.
Moved industrial operations off the riverbank, to allow a future mix-use development and public access to the Willamette River.
Developed & built the first major wind generation project in the nation co-owned by a public and private utility.
Rolled out a nationally recognized low-income energy assistance program.
Acquired & built green energy generation projects including solar, wind, geothermal, and small hydro throughout the region.
Safeguarded EWEB energy efficiency and conservation programs.
Sandra is a Northwest native, born in Spokane and raised in Redmond, Oregon. She has lived in Eugene since coming here in 1969 to attend the University of Oregon. As a longtime small business owner and community activist, she is committed to bringing communities of interest together to solve problems and protect the quality of life and work in Lane County. Bishop has more than 25 years of experience as a lobbyist and public advocate with the Oregon Legislature, and ten years of service as an elected Eugene Water & Electric Board commissioner (EWEB).
Sandra understands the value of engaging in effective civil discourse and working collaboratively to find solutions and accomplish common goals. She has a history of leadership and effective action. She recently served as President of the City Club of Eugene. She continues to volunteer in the League of Women Voters, Tibetan Buddhist organizations, and climate crisis organizations, among other community-based groups. Before the recent Stay Home order she worked at Tsunami Books, a local independent bookstore in south Eugene.
Occupational Background
Former small business owner, more than 25 years as a public advocate engaged in government relations with the Oregon Legislature.
Additional experience working with businesses, associations and individuals to navigate administrative and regulatory processes at the city and county level of jurisdictions in several areas of the state.
Writer/editor; investigative journalism, travel & business writing.
Long-time community activist.
Educational Background
University of Oregon
Lane Community College
Redmond High School, Redmond, Oregon
Euglena Academy
Chagdud Gonpa Foundation
Rigpa International
Landmark Education
Prior Government Experience
EWEB Eugene Water & Electric Board Commissioner; three terms elected; 10 years.
DEQ Solid Waste Advisory Committee; solid and hazardous waste regulations.
MAPAC (Metropolitan Area Planning Advisory Committee; set the original urban growth boundary (UGB) in Eugene/Springfield area.
Professional Organizations
PRSA Public Relations Society of America, former member.
The Capitol Club, former member.
Oregon State Bar – Indian Law Section, non-attorney active member.
Community Service and Leadership
City Club of Eugene; Past President, member since 1990.
League of Women Voters; member.
NAACP; member/advocacy trainer for effectively working with Oregon Legislators.
Northwest Energy Coalition; green energy coalition of 4 U.S. states and British Columbia; member, former Board member.
United Steelworkers Union; member (Blue Green Alliance).
Saraha Nyingma Buddhist Institute; member and former instructor.
Friends of Shelton McMurphey Johnson House; former Board member
Chagdud Gonpa/Dechhen Ling, Cottage Grove; founding member and volunteer fundraiser.
Westside Neighborhood Quality Project (WNQP); organized one of the first city-recognized neighborhood groups in Eugene.
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Citizens’ Climate Lobby
Jefferson Westside Neighbors.
Southeast Neighbors.
Committed to community service. Respect. Integrity.