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48 °F Forecast | Road Cams Tuesday, November 16, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Passport to the Rogue Valley EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend November 15, 2004 Medford City Councilman-elect John Statler visits the Central Point apple orchard where he lived in a tent for six months. Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli A reclaimed life John Statler went from alcoholism 15 years ago to success as a businessman, community activist and soon, a seat on the Medford City Council By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune Living in a tent beneath two apple trees in a friend’s back yard, John Statler couldn’t keep a job because alcohol had taken control of his life. Now, 15 years later, Statler is sober, runs his own business and has dedicated his life to helping others. And he’s representative of Ward 3 on the Medford City Council. "I never felt like I fit in," said Statler, keynote speaker at tonight’s Human Rights Coalition of Jackson County meeting. Public speaking has always been a challenge for him. Advertisement "It’s frightening," said Statler. He said some people talk of getting butterflies before speaking in public. "I never felt any butterflies — my stomach was locked up like an iron casket," he said. Statler will be sworn in to the Medford City Council in January, replacing John Michaels, who chose not to run for re-election. Statler, 56, owns a computer consulting business and serves on several boards, including the West Medford Community Coalition, Rogue Valley Community Development Corp., Human Rights Coalition, Thrive and is a board member emeritus of Oregon Action. "He is one of the most community-oriented, committed volunteers that I know," said Shareen Fiol, president of the West Medford Community Coalition. That’s why a dozen volunteers knocked on 3,500 northwest Medford doors, leaving an informational brochure and a pencil with Statler’s name. "It’s because he’s given so much that people are really willing to make it happen," she said. Marty Mosenthiem has been friends with Statler for 12 years. "He’s willing to take up the fight for the underdog," said Mosenthiem, who also has been homeless and in alcohol recovery. He should know: He crashed on Statler’s floor himself when he was getting back on his feet. Mosenthiem said he does argue with Statler about how much he extends himself to those in need. "Sometimes I think he gives a little bit more than I think he should be," he said, adding he’s glad his friend is on the council. "It’s a chance for change." Statler, who grew up in the Bay Area, said a career high point was at age 35 when he had a job in an exotic sheet metal shop and worked on a solar race car chassis featured on the cover of Popular Mechanics magazine as well as in the Smithsonian Museum. "And then I came home one day and had a beer," he said. It went quickly from a beer to a problem. Within a few years he was living in his van, squeezing in jobs around his drinking, and for six months a friend let him pitch a tent in his back yard north of Central Point. A motorcycle accident was his wake-up call, which led to a local alcohol recovery group. That was the end of his homeless stint, and what he refers to as his "five-year drunk." In addition to sobriety and home ownership, he learned techniques that have helped him be a good leader, he said. "In my recovery I learned some skills about how to be teachable, and how to admit when I’m wrong, and how to repair things when I create damage," he said. Joe Atkin, a counselor at Mediation Works in Medford, said he’s been coaching Statler for several years. Statler had intense social anxiety, including fear of crowds and public speaking, when he met him. "He was inspired to be a leader, he just avoided it," said Atkin. He said Statler will be quite an asset to the council. "He’s become an outstanding mediator and facilitator of groups, especially when they become confrontational," he said. People might misunderstand his mild-mannered nature, he said. "He will be a kind but formidable opponent to anyone who wants to ramrod." Statler said he realizes he’s a different kind of councilman. "I’m not there because I want to be a politician," said Statler. "I’m there with an expressed interest in increasing the welcome that citizens get when they come there (to council meetings)." He’s getting involved in politics because participation is the only way to maintain democracy. "I’m a patriot and a freedom fighter," he said. "This is my world war." Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] To hear the speech WHAT : John Statler, keynote speaker for Human Rights Coalition of Jackson County annual meeting. The Patricia Guild Freedom Award will be handed out. WHEN: 7 tonight. WHERE: Rogue Room in the Skyline Plaza (the new tower) at the Rogue Valley Manor. CONTACT: Human Rights Coalition, 776-4077. Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. 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