William Simon U'Ren

Who was William Simon U'Ren?

William Simon U'Ren was an American lawyer and political activist. A Georgist progressive at the turn of the 20th century. He promoted and helped pass a corrupt practices act, the presidential primary, direct election of U.S. senators, and the initiative, referendum, and recall. These were measures designed to promote democracy and weaken the power of backstage elites. His reforms in Oregon were widely copied in other states. He supported numerous other reforms, such as the single tax and proportional representation, that were not enacted.