Tape 15, Side 1. In the seventh and final interview session, conducted on February 23, 1995, Ryles continues to discuss Nancy Ryles' career in public service. He talks about working with Portland Mayor Neil Goldschmidt on the Central Eastside Industrial Council and about the council’s efforts to improve the industrial district of East Portland. He also discusses the right-wing rhetoric by radio personalities at the time of the interview. He talks about his marriage to Nancy Ryles, and about her death from cancer in 1990. He closes the interview by discussing doing volunteer work in hospitals around the world, particularly Kenya, and by reflecting on his work to provide services to unhoused people.

Tape 14, Side 2. In the seventh and final interview session, conducted on February 23, 1995, Ryles continues to discuss Nancy Ryles' career in public service. He talks about working with Portland Mayor Neil Goldschmidt on the Central Eastside Industrial Council and about the council’s efforts to improve the industrial district of East Portland. He also discusses the right-wing rhetoric by radio personalities at the time of the interview. He talks about his marriage to Nancy Ryles, and about her death from cancer in 1990. He closes the interview by discussing doing volunteer work in hospitals around the world, particularly Kenya, and by reflecting on his work to provide services to unhoused people.

Tape 14, Side 1. In the seventh and final interview session, conducted on February 23, 1995, Ryles continues to discuss Nancy Ryles' career in public service. He talks about working with Portland Mayor Neil Goldschmidt on the Central Eastside Industrial Council and about the council’s efforts to improve the industrial district of East Portland. He also discusses the right-wing rhetoric by radio personalities at the time of the interview. He talks about his marriage to Nancy Ryles, and about her death from cancer in 1990. He closes the interview by discussing doing volunteer work in hospitals around the world, particularly Kenya, and by reflecting on his work to provide services to unhoused people.

Tape 13, Side 2. In the seventh and final interview session, conducted on February 23, 1995, Ryles continues to discuss Nancy Ryles' career in public service. He talks about working with Portland Mayor Neil Goldschmidt on the Central Eastside Industrial Council and about the council’s efforts to improve the industrial district of East Portland. He also discusses the right-wing rhetoric by radio personalities at the time of the interview. He talks about his marriage to Nancy Ryles, and about her death from cancer in 1990. He closes the interview by discussing doing volunteer work in hospitals around the world, particularly Kenya, and by reflecting on his work to provide services to unhoused people.

Tape 13, Side 1. In the seventh and final interview session, conducted on February 23, 1995, Ryles continues to discuss Nancy Ryles' career in public service. He talks about working with Portland Mayor Neil Goldschmidt on the Central Eastside Industrial Council and about the council’s efforts to improve the industrial district of East Portland. He also discusses the right-wing rhetoric by radio personalities at the time of the interview. He talks about his marriage to Nancy Ryles, and about her death from cancer in 1990. He closes the interview by discussing doing volunteer work in hospitals around the world, particularly Kenya, and by reflecting on his work to provide services to unhoused people.

Tape 12, Side 2. In the sixth interview session, conducted on October 26, 1994, Ryles reflects on the accomplishments of Portland’s programs for homeless services. He revisits the topic of economic and social factors behind the increase in homelessness, and shares ideas on how to prevent people from falling into poverty and to improve Oregon’s economic resilience. He then speaks at length about Nancy Ryles’ service on the Beaverton school board; representing Washington County in the Oregon House from 1979 to 1982, and in the Oregon Senate from 1983 to 1987; and as a member of the Public Utility Commission from 1987 until her death in 1990.

Tape 12, Side 1. In the sixth interview session, conducted on October 26, 1994, Ryles reflects on the accomplishments of Portland’s programs for homeless services. He revisits the topic of economic and social factors behind the increase in homelessness, and shares ideas on how to prevent people from falling into poverty and to improve Oregon’s economic resilience. He then speaks at length about Nancy Ryles’ service on the Beaverton school board; representing Washington County in the Oregon House from 1979 to 1982, and in the Oregon Senate from 1983 to 1987; and as a member of the Public Utility Commission from 1987 until her death in 1990.

Tape 11, Side 2. In the sixth interview session, conducted on October 26, 1994, Ryles reflects on the accomplishments of Portland’s programs for homeless services. He revisits the topic of economic and social factors behind the increase in homelessness, and shares ideas on how to prevent people from falling into poverty and to improve Oregon’s economic resilience. He then speaks at length about Nancy Ryles’ service on the Beaverton school board; representing Washington County in the Oregon House from 1979 to 1982, and in the Oregon Senate from 1983 to 1987; and as a member of the Public Utility Commission from 1987 until her death in 1990.

Tape 11, Side 1. In the sixth interview session, conducted on October 26, 1994, Ryles reflects on the accomplishments of Portland’s programs for homeless services. He revisits the topic of economic and social factors behind the increase in homelessness, and shares ideas on how to prevent people from falling into poverty and to improve Oregon’s economic resilience. He then speaks at length about Nancy Ryles’ service on the Beaverton school board; representing Washington County in the Oregon House from 1979 to 1982, and in the Oregon Senate from 1983 to 1987; and as a member of the Public Utility Commission from 1987 until her death in 1990.

Tape 10, Side 2. In the fifth interview session, conducted on August 24, 1994, Ryles continues to discuss his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, and his involvement with Mayor Bud Clark’s plan to address homelessness. He speaks further about fundraising for the Homeless Action Fund, talks about the organizations that contributed to the fund, and discusses other organizations that provided services to unhoused people. He speaks further about working to develop transitional and low income housing in downtown Portland, and also talks about various shelters in the city.

Tape 10, Side 1. In the fifth interview session, conducted on August 24, 1994, Ryles continues to discuss his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, and his involvement with Mayor Bud Clark’s plan to address homelessness. He speaks further about fundraising for the Homeless Action Fund, talks about the organizations that contributed to the fund, and discusses other organizations that provided services to unhoused people. He speaks further about working to develop transitional and low income housing in downtown Portland, and also talks about various shelters in the city.

Tape 9, Side 2. In the fifth interview session, conducted on August 24, 1994, Ryles continues to discuss his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, and his involvement with Mayor Bud Clark’s plan to address homelessness. He speaks further about fundraising for the Homeless Action Fund, talks about the organizations that contributed to the fund, and discusses other organizations that provided services to unhoused people. He speaks further about working to develop transitional and low income housing in downtown Portland, and also talks about various shelters in the city.

Tape 9, Side 1. In the fifth interview session, conducted on August 24, 1994, Ryles continues to discuss his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, and his involvement with Mayor Bud Clark’s plan to address homelessness. He speaks further about fundraising for the Homeless Action Fund, talks about the organizations that contributed to the fund, and discusses other organizations that provided services to unhoused people. He speaks further about working to develop transitional and low income housing in downtown Portland, and also talks about various shelters in the city.

Tape 8, Side 1. In the fourth interview session, conducted on August 17, 1994, Ryles further discusses his thoughts about economic and social factors behind the increase in homelessness, his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, and his involvement with Mayor Bud Clark’s plan to address homelessness. He reflects on the accomplishments of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce during the 1980s. He speaks about working with people on the Portland Development Commission and the Housing Authority to develop transitional and low income housing in downtown Portland. He talks about working to establish community mental health services, and about raising money for the Homeless Action Fund.

Tape 7, Side 2. In the fourth interview session, conducted on August 17, 1994, Ryles further discusses his thoughts about economic and social factors behind the increase in homelessness, his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, and his involvement with Mayor Bud Clark’s plan to address homelessness. He reflects on the accomplishments of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce during the 1980s. He speaks about working with people on the Portland Development Commission and the Housing Authority to develop transitional and low income housing in downtown Portland. He talks about working to establish community mental health services, and about raising money for the Homeless Action Fund.

Tape 7, Side 1. In the fourth interview session, conducted on August 17, 1994, Ryles further discusses his thoughts about economic and social factors behind the increase in homelessness, his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, and his involvement with Mayor Bud Clark’s plan to address homelessness. He reflects on the accomplishments of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce during the 1980s. He speaks about working with people on the Portland Development Commission and the Housing Authority to develop transitional and low income housing in downtown Portland. He talks about working to establish community mental health services, and about raising money for the Homeless Action Fund.

Tape 6, Side 1. In the third interview session, conducted on August 9, 1994, Ryles shares his thoughts about economic and social factors behind the increase in houselessness, particularly in Oregon, in the late 20th century. He talks about his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, discusses Portland Mayor Bud Clark’s 12-point plan to address homelessness, and talks about the development of the Homeless Action Fund. He also talks about controversies surrounding the Baloney Joe’s shelter and its director, Michael Stoops. He speaks at length about his work to get Portland businesses to sign on to Clark’s plan.

Tape 5, Side 2. In the third interview session, conducted on August 9, 1994, Ryles shares his thoughts about economic and social factors behind the increase in houselessness, particularly in Oregon, in the late 20th century. He talks about his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, discusses Portland Mayor Bud Clark’s 12-point plan to address homelessness, and talks about the development of the Homeless Action Fund. He also talks about controversies surrounding the Baloney Joe’s shelter and its director, Michael Stoops. He speaks at length about his work to get Portland businesses to sign on to Clark’s plan.

Tape 5, Side 1. In the third interview session, conducted on August 9, 1994, Ryles shares his thoughts about economic and social factors behind the increase in houselessness, particularly in Oregon, in the late 20th century. He talks about his work as a member of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to provide social services to people experiencing homelessness in Portland, discusses Portland Mayor Bud Clark’s 12-point plan to address homelessness, and talks about the development of the Homeless Action Fund. He also talks about controversies surrounding the Baloney Joe’s shelter and its director, Michael Stoops. He speaks at length about his work to get Portland businesses to sign on to Clark’s plan.

Tape 4, Side 1. In the second interview session, conducted on June 6, 1994, Ryles discusses his high school experience in Portland. He talks about his marriage to Nancy Wyly, about her family background, and about her political career. He also talks about their children. He then discusses working for a trucking company in Chicago, Illinois, and talks about corruption during the time that Jimmy Hoffa ran the Teamsters Union. He shares his reasons for returning to Portland in the 1960s and taking over Poppers Supply, Co., a popcorn distribution company, and speaks about growing the business. He also briefly talks about his college experiences.

Tape 3, Side 2. In the second interview session, conducted on June 6, 1994, Ryles discusses his high school experience in Portland. He talks about his marriage to Nancy Wyly, about her family background, and about her political career. He also talks about their children. He then discusses working for a trucking company in Chicago, Illinois, and talks about corruption during the time that Jimmy Hoffa ran the Teamsters Union. He shares his reasons for returning to Portland in the 1960s and taking over Poppers Supply, Co., a popcorn distribution company, and speaks about growing the business. He also briefly talks about his college experiences.

Tape 3, Side 1. In the second interview session, conducted on June 6, 1994, Ryles discusses his high school experience in Portland. He talks about his marriage to Nancy Wyly, about her family background, and about her political career. He also talks about their children. He then discusses working for a trucking company in Chicago, Illinois, and talks about corruption during the time that Jimmy Hoffa ran the Teamsters Union. He shares his reasons for returning to Portland in the 1960s and taking over Poppers Supply, Co., a popcorn distribution company, and speaks about growing the business. He also briefly talks about his college experiences.

Tape 2, Side 2. In the first interview session, conducted on June 2, 1994, Ryles discusses his family background and early life in Walla Walla, Washington, and speaks at length about growing up in a large extended family. He talks about spending a year in Arkansas around 1945, about his father’s business as a tavern owner in Pomeroy, Washington, and about how that led Ryles to live with relatives for a year at around 10 years old. He then shares his memories of growing up near the Hanford site, talks about spending summers working on relatives’ farms, including a plantation, and shares his memories of observing segregation while living in Arkansas. He discusses his relationship with his father.

Tape 2, Side 1. In the first interview session, conducted on June 2, 1994, Ryles discusses his family background and early life in Walla Walla, Washington, and speaks at length about growing up in a large extended family. He talks about spending a year in Arkansas around 1945, about his father’s business as a tavern owner in Pomeroy, Washington, and about how that led Ryles to live with relatives for a year at around 10 years old. He then shares his memories of growing up near the Hanford site, talks about spending summers working on relatives’ farms, including a plantation, and shares his memories of observing segregation while living in Arkansas. He discusses his relationship with his father.

Tape 1, Side 2. In the first interview session, conducted on June 2, 1994, Ryles discusses his family background and early life in Walla Walla, Washington, and speaks at length about growing up in a large extended family. He talks about spending a year in Arkansas around 1945, about his father’s business as a tavern owner in Pomeroy, Washington, and about how that led Ryles to live with relatives for a year at around 10 years old. He then shares his memories of growing up near the Hanford site, talks about spending summers working on relatives’ farms, including a plantation, and shares his memories of observing segregation while living in Arkansas. He discusses his relationship with his father.

Tape 1, Side 1. In the first interview session, conducted on June 2, 1994, Ryles discusses his family background and early life in Walla Walla, Washington, and speaks at length about growing up in a large extended family. He talks about spending a year in Arkansas around 1945, about his father’s business as a tavern owner in Pomeroy, Washington, and about how that led Ryles to live with relatives for a year at around 10 years old. He then shares his memories of growing up near the Hanford site, talks about spending summers working on relatives’ farms, including a plantation, and shares his memories of observing segregation while living in Arkansas. He discusses his relationship with his father.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Tom L. Eckman was conducted by Michael O’Rourke at the Northwest Power Planning Council offices in Portland, Oregon, from September 16, 1998, to September 29, 2000. The interview was conducted as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Oral History Project, which documented the history and purpose of the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The interview was conducted in five sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on September 16, 1998, Eckman discusses his family background and early life on a farm in Galesburg, Illinois, including his education. He briefly talks about studying forestry and environmental science at Southern Illinois University, about working as an environmental science educator in Washington, and about serving as chair of both the Washington Environmental Council and the Washington Chapter of the Sierra Club. He speaks at length about the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act, and about the Washington Public Power Supply System. He talks about working with Ed Sheets, the U.S. senators from Washington, and with administrators from Bonneville Power Administration during and after the passage of the Northwest Power Act. He discusses serving as manager of conservation resources for the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, from 1982 to the time of the interview.

In the second interview session, conducted on December 17, 1998, Eckman continues to speak about the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act, and about the Washington Public Power Supply System. He continues to discuss serving as manager of conservation resources for the Northwest Power Planning Council, and talks about the early activities of the council. He discusses the NWPPC’s 1983 conservation and electric power plan, and talks about the first members of the council.

In the third interview session, conducted on September 21, 1999, Eckman continues to discuss serving as manager of conservation resources for the Northwest Power Planning Council, and to talk about the 1983 conservation and electric power plan. He speaks at length about developing and implementing the model conservation standards for residential and commercial buildings, about opposition to the energy efficient building codes, and about working with Northwest electric utilities on the Super Good Cents program.

Tape 7, Side 1, through Tape 8, Side 1. In the fourth interview session, conducted on May 11, 2000, Eckman continues to discuss serving as manager of conservation resources for the Northwest Power Planning Council. He talks about the conservation and electric power plan amendment processes in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He speaks about factors affecting energy prices in the Northwest, particularly at the BPA, and discusses how changing state politics in the 1990s affected the NWPPC, particularly its fish and wildlife plan.

Tape 8, Side 2, through Tape 9, Side 2. In the fifth and final interview session, conducted on September 29, 2000, Eckman continues to discuss serving as manager of conservation resources for the Northwest Power Planning Council, with a focus on the period between 1995 and the time of the interview. He talks about conducting a comprehensive review of the Northwest power systems and about developing the 1996 version of the conservation and electric power plan. He also speaks at length about the financial situation of the BPA, and about factors affecting its energy prices.