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TALENT Talent leaders remember Brian Roberts as champion for civil liberties, water system improvements Former councilman dies at age 62 Comment By Tony Boom Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 1, 2015 at 2:01 PM Updated Apr 1, 2015 at 4:59 PM By Tony Boom Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 1, 2015 at 2:01 PM Updated Apr 1, 2015 at 4:59 PM » Social News TALENT — A former councilman and lifelong city resident who stood up to protect civil liberties in the face of the USA Patriot Act and championed water-system improvements has died. Brian Roberts, 62, was also involved in citizens’ concerns about helicopter patrols over the city, was a supporter of the Talent Historical Society and helped establish the city’s Traffic Safety and Transportation Commission. “He really had the best interests of Talent in mind in everything he did. He served the community well,” said former Mayor Bill Cecil, who served with Roberts on City Council. Roberts was elected to the council in 2000 and re-elected in 2004. He resigned in 2008 because of health reasons. But he was appointed to a vacancy in January 2009 and served until January 2010, when he resigned again. In the late 1990s, Talent was under a building moratorium because of its poor water system. “He put a lot of pressure on the city to upgrade the water system," Cecil said. "He was really passionate about that. We have a good water system now. He stood pretty tall on that. He made a lot of difference.” With councilors Don Steyskal and the late Bob Wilson, Roberts successfully passed resolutions in 2003 that included assurance of prisoners' rights, reports on federal activates and noncooperation with spying in response to the Patriot Act. The national government passed the act in response to the 911 terrorist attacks. At the time, Roberts said the possibilities reminded him of the government actions during the Watergate scandal. “He felt very responsible for Talent,” said sister Betty Lanfear. “From an early age, he was always very political.” Roberts also served on a council subcommittee to look into complaints about helicopter patrols of the city that some considered invasive. The group proposed a contract by which the Metro Air One helicopter operation would be less disruptive, but the helicopter outfit rejected the proposal. In 2010 the Oregon Elections Division closed an investigation of Roberts because of insufficient evidence that he had inappropriately lobbied for the mayoral candidacy of Cecil before city staff. Darby Stricker, who also sought the mayor’s post, had filed the civil complaint. Stricker lost to Cecil in that election, but beat him for the seat in November. The investigation did lead to a letter sent by the division to then-City Manager Jay Henry to educate him on Oregon election law. “I thought (Roberts) had a pretty good perspective on the council’s role, and he studied the materials very well and was aware of how things work,” police Chief Mike Moran said. “I thought he always did a pretty good job.” Lanfear found Roberts, who apparently died of a heart attack, March 27 at his home. He was born April 8, 1952. “He was a baseball player and he pitched a no-hitter at Miles Field. They put an article in the paper about it,” said Lanfear. “He was very good at playing the guitar.” Roberts is survived by Lanfear, sister Judith Weston and daughter Sarah Hadfield, all of Medford. A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Talent Community Center, 206 E. Main St. Tony Boom is a freelance writer living in Ashland. Reach him at [email protected]. By Tony Boom Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 1, 2015 at 2:01 PM Updated Apr 1, 2015 at 4:59 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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