Oregon Public Broadcasting

More than a week after the election, Bobby Green has conceded to challenger Rob Handy in the race for North Lane County Commissioner.  

Green held the position for 13 years. Handy spoke Thursday morning at his campaign headquarters in Eugene. He says Lane County is ready for change.

Rob Handy: “Our campaign was grass roots from the bottom up. Our approach to economic development is to grow our jobs in the local economy from the inside out. People had a clear choice in this campaign. They not only wanted change but they wanted effective and responsive leadership. So that’s what I’m offering.”

Handy won by a narrow margin. At last count he led Green by 222 votes.

The election of Rob Handy will likely change the dynamics of the five-member board. Bobby Green tended to vote with the two more conservative commissioners.

Now it’s expected Handy will tip the balance the other way.