Catching Up With Les AuCoin

A few days ago, I e-mailed back and forth with an early mentor of mine: former US Congressman Les AuCoin.  Les served Oregon’s First Congressional District from 1975-1993.  While there he fought for light rail for the metro area, fought to stop the Reagan arms build up, and supported important programs designed to fight homelessness and poverty.  I was a very precocious kid when he let me volunteer on his 1982 re-election campaign.  After that I volunteered on all the rest of his races.  His staff took me under their wing, invited me to staff lunches, and let me sit in on meetings to learn about the issues.  They were wonderful to me.  Les was one of the most honorable public servants Oregon ever sent to Congress.  He keeps busy these days by teaching, writing, and offering commentary on public radio.  Visit his homepage and catch up with one of Oregon’s best political leaders.