Follow-up On Beltline Rename

Eugene - Fox viewers have been emailing in saying they are furious about what some say is a waste of money. The idea was sphered by Governor Ted Kulongoski. His communications director says he is very aware of the reaction the project is getting, but still strongly supports it. We asked if there were more important projects that money can go towards to, and she explained, “I think there are a lot of transportation projects that are underway, and that the governor feels very strongly that this is an opportunity to honor someone who continued to give back.” Despite the anger about the costs and the confusion attached to the Randy Pape Beltway, there are some supporters that say that criticism is unfair to the Pape family. We checked with Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy on the Beltline changed, she says she isn’t taking a stance. We have a copy of the letter sent to the Oregon Transportation Commission on March 11th signed by the mayor. It says quote” On behalf of the Eugene Council, and the request of Governor Ted Kulongoski it’s my pleasure to offer this letter of support to the renaming for Beltline State highway in honor of Randall C. Pape.” Piercy says she didn’t write the letter she just signed it.