Jesse Maldonado seeks at-large seat following board’s deadlock in appointment process
By Kat Tabor
University of Oregon adjunct professor Jesse Maldonado has announced his candidacy for the two year at-large seat 7 on the Lane Community College Board of Education.
The seat was left vacant after now-state Rep. Lisa Fragala resigned in November 2024, and it has remained unfilled due to a deadlock in the appointment process, as previously reported by LCC’s The Torch. Maldonado was among the applicants seeking appointment to replace Fragala. The deadlock occurred because board member Julie Weismann abstained from voting, while Steve Mital and Kevin Alltucker refused to rank more than one candidate in the ranked-choice voting process the six-member board was using.
Bob Brew, who was the candidate supported by Mital and Alltucker, had filed to run against Maldonado.
LCC’s Board of Education sets policies and approves budgets to keep the college operating effectively and meet the needs of its students and community. The board is charged with overseeing the development of programs and services as well as helping shape the educational opportunities and resources available in the LCC district. Maldonado is one of seven that have filed to run for the LCC board as of press time. Candidates can file or withdraw until March 20.
Maldonado, a first-generation four-year college graduate, emphasizes the importance of higher education in creating opportunities. He says, “It’s time for a new generation to step up. It’s time to make sure that what we value is at the forefront of what we’re doing, and I value education almost more than anything.”
He adds of his desire to run for the board position, “The reason I care so passionately about public service and making a difference points back to all the teachers, faculty and staff who impacted my life and guided me in this direction.”
Maldonado says, “I want to wear my values on my sleeve.”
According to the press release announcing he is running for the LCC board seat in May, Maldonado has experience in public service, beginning with his election to the Lewiston City Council in Idaho at age 18. He is a board member with the Eugene Parks Foundation and a member of the city of Eugene Budget Committee. He also serves as the fundraising chair of the Democratic Party of Lane County.
Maldonado holds a bachelor of science in business and communications from Lewis-Clark State College and a master’s in public administration from the University of Oregon.
Four seats on the LCC Board are on the ballot for the May 20 special election with winners serving four-year terms beginning July 1. Jeffery Cooper and former Lane County commissioner Jerry Rust have filed for Zone 1, currently held by Denise Diamond, representing western Lane County. Weismann has filed for reelection to her Zone 3 seat, representing Springfield. Austin Fölnagy who currently represents Zone 4, eastern Lane County, has announced and filed for re-election in May and is challenged by Richard Vasquez.
The voter registration deadline for new voters is April 29 to be eligible to receive a ballot for the special district election.
To find out more about Lane County special elections visit LaneCounty.org and check your voter registration at My Vote at SOS.oregon.gov.
Jesse Maldonado and Austin Fölnagy have a campaign kickoff 5:30 pm Wednesday, Feb. 26 at Oregon Wine LAB, 488 Lincoln Street.
The Torch will be covering the candidates throughout the election process. If you would like to share information or be featured, please reach out via email at kattabor.journalism@gmail.com.
