John Statler went from alcoholism 15 years ago to success as a businessman, community activist and soon, a seat on the Medford City Council

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.

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"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 mlanders@mailtribune.com

To hear the speech

WHEN: 7 tonight.

WHERE: Rogue Room in the Skyline Plaza (the new tower) at the Rogue Valley Manor.

CONTACT: Human Rights Coalition, 776-4077.