GOLD HILL, Ore. (AP) — The master of a karate studio in southern Oregon says he has left the violence and hatred of his neo-Nazi past behind, and just wants to be a positive influence in the lives of young people.
But Gold Hill City Councilor Christine Alford is not convinced, and wants people to know who Andrew Lee Patterson is.
Patterson was convicted of radically motivated attacks in Medford in 2003, and spent six years in prison. He later formed a local chapter of a neo-Nazi group.
Alford raised Patterson’s past at a City Council meeting this week, suggesting he should not march with his students in the upcoming Gold Dust Day parade.
Gold Hill Historical Society President Janet Sessions says she expects Patterson will be able to march with his students.
