Jack Lansing: Oregon State Capitol Foundation Oral History Project

John Y. “Jack”Lansing was a decorated World War II veteran and a long-time civic and business leader. Lansing was a squadron commander who flew customized B17 planes that were part of a top-secret program developing what we know as Predator drones. A third-generation Oregonian, Lansing earned a degree in journalism at the University of Oregon and did graduate studies at Stanford University and Norfolk College in England. Lansing returned to Oregon and went to work as a lobbyist for Columbia Empire Industries, now known as Oregon Associated Industries. In 1953, Lansing went to work for Pacific Power & Light Company and rose through the ranks to become the president of the company today known as PacfiCorp. During his oral history, Jack discusses the ongoing debates over public versus private power during his years in the utility industry. While never wanting to an elected official, he enjoyed working with senators and representatives. Lansing comments extensively on his views of Oregon’s citizen legislature of earlier eras and the more professional legislature today. Lansing played a pivotal role in helping Harry Glickman bring the Portland Trailblazers to Oregon. In addition to Jack Lansing’s professional work he was active in many civic and cultural organizations.