Grants Pass Tribune - Sun. May 19, 2024

Interview with Josephine County Commissioner candidate Mark Jones

By: John Oliver

John Oliver from the Grants Pass Tribune sits down with Mark Jones, candidate for Josephine County Commissioner Seat 2.

John Oliver: Can you describe your vision for the future development of Josephine County, particularly in terms of economic growth and community welfare?

Mark Jones: If we invest just a little time and money into our infrastructure, we can create a business-friendly county. We are in a prime location with I-5, Highway 199, and the railroad, which can be leveraged to attract transportation hubs, cold storage facilities, or warehouse businesses. Both of our airports are underutilized, and the CJ airport would be ideal for air shows that generate significant revenue for small cities. The entire Illinois Valley area is an economic boom waiting to happen. Investing in infrastructure there will attract new businesses due to the abundance of flat, usable land. However, these businesses will only come if we have workers and a safe, secure environment. Public safety, housing, and vocational training are vital to making this vision a reality.

JO: Do you support maintaining current funding levels for the Sheriff’s Office from

the general fund in light of the passage of the Law Enforcement Service District?

Jones: Yes, the 2023/24 budget allocated roughly 53% of the general fund to Law Enforcement, about $9.2 million. The Sheriff’s Office received $5.3 million of that, with the remainder going to the DA and other Law Enforcement requirements. Maintaining that level of funding was what was promised to the voters who passed the Law Enforcement Service District. The district was formed to provide additional patrol staffing, not to maintain current levels.

JO: How do you plan to help balance the county's budget effectively, especially considering potential fiscal constraints and competing priorities?

Jones: To balance our budget, I believe we need to implement across-the-board percentage cuts in all departments. I currently see some departments cutting significantly while others do not. If the overall budget needs to drop by 6%, then each department should cut 6%, allowing department heads to determine how best to achieve this. This approach has been successful in many municipalities. Additionally, I plan to search for new revenue streams for the county general fund, as it is crucial to our financial health.

JO: What is your approach to fostering collaboration between the County Commission and other local stakeholders, such as city councils, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations?

Jones: Communication is key to any successful relationship. To build collaborative relationships with local stakeholders, we must keep everyone in the loop at all times. Information sharing, goal setting, and holding workshops where everyone can share their ideas, concerns, and needs is essential. I would like to see monthly meetings with the city councils of Cave Junction and Grants Pass, unincorporated communities, and the County Commissioners. These meetings would help us move forward with common goals such as creating a safe, secure, and prosperous county.

JO: Given the diverse needs and interests within Josephine County, how do you intend to ensure that all voices are heard and represented in ethical decision-making processes?

Jones: First, we need to stop the partisan divide. The position of County Commissioner is supposed to be nonpartisan, but it hasn’t displayed that in quite some time. When in public office, you need to see an issue from

“To build collaborative relationships with local stakeholders, we must keep everyone in the loop at all times.”

Mark Jones

every perspective. In the fire service, when approaching a structure fire, the first officer on the scene conducts a 360-degree assessment. Seeing the fire from all sides allows for the appropriate decision to be • see INTERVIEW, page 3

County Commissioner candidates tested on responsiveness

By: Jay Meredith, CPA

After years of attending public meetings and interacting with various Josephine County Commissioners, I’ve gained insights into what it takes to be an effective commissioner. Having regularly volunteered to help restore County Law Enforcement services and staying informed about county affairs, I believe a successful Commissioner needs a blend of political acumen and administrative skills.

Former commissioners have shared differing views on the job's nature — some see it as primarily political and policy-driven, while others believe it’s largely administrative. However, it seems the role demands proficiency in both areas, with a good commissioner likely dividing their time equally between policy and administrative duties.

To gauge the responsiveness and preparedness of commissioner candidates, I’ve made it a practice to email them with policy-related questions. Over the years, I’ve noticed a direct correlation between candidates’ responsiveness during their campaigns and their performance once in office. Candidates who respond promptly and thoughtfully to emails tend to be more effective and accessible commissioners.

During one past election, a candidate who never responded to campaign emails went on to ignore multiple emails related to official business after being elected. This lack of responsiveness can be detrimental, especially since email remains a crucial communication tool in both business and government. Despite the rise of other communication methods, email is essential for conducting official business and collecting public input.

Unfortunately, a significant portion of emails sent to local elected officials go unanswered. While the City of

Grants Pass officials, who are unpaid volunteers, tend to be slightly more responsive, the Josephine County Commissioners, who are paid full-time salaries, often fall short in this regard.

To assess the current slate of Josephine County Commissioner candidates, I conducted an email test. I sent four questions about mineral development opportunities on county-owned and federally managed lands to all eight candidates. Given the county’s vast mineral resources and the economic implications of land management by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), this topic is highly relevant.

Out of the eight candidates, only three responded to the email within the provided week. Finding the email addresses for some candidates required checking the

County Clerk’s website. Despite the challenges, Mark Jones, Nathan Gonzales, and Ron Smith stood out for their timely responses.

Mark Jones emerged as the clear winner. He provided a comprehensive and prompt response, followed by a related industry question a few days later. Jones’ consistent attendance at County Commissioner meetings over the past two years demonstrates his dedication and preparation for the role.

Ron Smith earned the silver for his thorough and quick response. However, he could benefit from making his email more accessible. Smith’s long history of advocating for people’s rights was evident in his communication, aligning with his campaign message as the “people’s commissioner” candidate.

Nathan Gonzales received the bronze for his quick, albeit brief, response. Honorable mentions go to Pat Fahey, Chris Barnett, and Colene Martin, who were responsive through other communication channels during their campaigns.

As the election approaches, it’s crucial for registered voters in Josephine County to cast their ballots. With only a few days left, it’s recommended to use the official ballot drop sites. For locations, simply search “Josephine County ballot box locations” to find the official list on the county website.

Ultimately, the responsiveness and engagement of commissioner candidates are vital indicators of their potential effectiveness in office. Voters should consider these factors when making their decisions, ensuring that those elected are prepared to serve the community diligently and transparently.

POLITICS

Biden sparks more controversy on double standards

President invokes executive privilege over deposition recording

By: Samantha Kirk

WASHINGTON, DC — In a move that has reignited debate over executive privilege and transparency, President Joe Biden invoked executive privilege on Thursday to withhold the recording of his deposition regarding the storage of classified documents at his home. This decision comes as House Republicans pursue committee votes to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt for refusing to release the recording to Congress.

The Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel, led by Carlos Uriarte, cited executive privilege in determining that the recording should remain confidential. Garland, in a letter to President Biden, emphasized that the recording falls under this privilege, particularly in the context of a closed criminal investigation where disclosure could impede future law enforcement efforts.

The controversy has escalated into an election-year flashpoint, with Republicans

accusing the Biden administration of withholding information and Democrats dismissing the actions as partisan theater. At the heart of the matter are recordings from a contentious interview that led Special Counsel Robert Hur to characterize Biden as a “sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.”

The House Judiciary Committee has

scheduled a vote for Thursday morning, while the House Oversight and Accountability Committee will hold its vote later in the day. If approved, the resolution would advance to the full House for consideration.

Notably, the Justice Department has historically refrained from pursuing charges against attorneys general held in contempt by the House, including Republican Bill Barr

Interview with Mark Jones

From page 1

made. I will bring this style of decision-making to the Commissioner’s office to provide the most ethical, equally represented, and sustainable solutions.

JO: What initiatives do you propose to promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship within the county?

Jones: I would promote amending Senate Bill 100 to allow our rural communities to grow. For example, SB100 limits rural residential to RR2.5 with a minimum of a 2-acre parcel. We need to amend the bill to allow .5-acre minimums so these communities can grow into towns. This will provide the housing, businesses, and jobs we desperately need. DEQ would also need to allow for alternative septic systems that would handle these types of communities by using shared systems. We would also utilize shared wells to get this development plan started. Private water companies could be started in these areas to provide water to developments. I have witnessed this type of partnership with the City of Cave Creek, Arizona.

JO: How do you plan to address issues of homelessness and housing affordability in Josephine County?

Jones: Our homelessness issue is multifaceted and requires many moving parts to mitigate. First, we cannot focus on the homeless who do not want to change. We should focus on those trying to better their condition but can’t afford a place to live. These homeless individuals are living in their cars, crashing on a friend’s couch, or on a family member's floor. We need tiny and small home communities for them. Low-income housing provided by HUD has an income cap, and those trying to succeed sometimes come in above those limits and can’t get assistance. Providing tiny/small home options bridges that gap and offers a much-needed stepping stone. For the park-dwelling homeless, we need a piece of property converted into a campground-style, fenced-in area with restroom facilities and bus access. This gets them out of the parks and provides a transient camping area.

JO: What are some of the biggest changes you’d like to see take place to make

County a better place to live?

Jones: First, we need to boost our economy by investing in infrastructure for our airports and industrial areas. We are in a prime location with access to I-5, Highway 199, and the railroad. Attracting a transit hub, warehouse, or cold storage business can be done with a little investment and promotion. We need to work with ODOT to create a safer and more easily traveled connection to the Illinois Valley. Emphasizing growth in that part of our county will yield the best economic outcomes. We also need workforce housing and small home communities to provide the necessary stepping stones. These homes will also help our homeless who are trying to better themselves.

Other changes I’d like to see include a full-time, 24/7 Sheriff’s Office and a Fire District for all populated areas of Josephine County. Having a safe and secure county attracts businesses and investors. Strong law enforcement will also help with our drug and human trafficking problems. Fire protection is also crucial. We currently have approximately 350 square miles of populated private properties outside an existing fire district. An ordinance titled “Standards for Private Structural Fire Service Providers” needs to be adopted by the commissioners to provide consumer protection to subscribers of fire protection.

JO: How would you approach enhancing transparency and accountability in county governance, particularly with regards to public access to information and decision-making processes? Jones: Currently, the county website has all the agendas, minutes, videos, and other information available. Navigating the website can be cumbersome, but I usually find what I’m looking for eventually. To improve this, the county should utilize the Public Information Officer (PIO) to post information about meetings and non-executive session dealings on social media platforms. I would also return evening business sessions to the BCC, allowing better attendance from the public. As a commissioner, getting out to the communities on a minimum monthly basis should be a priority. Knowing what each community wants, needs, and desires is part of the job. Hearing the concerns of the public and making an effort to solve the issues they face is important to me.

in 2019 and Democrat Eric Holder in 2012.

This decision underscores the complex legal and political dynamics surrounding the current standoff between the Biden administration and congressional Republicans.

The investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents stems from discoveries made at his Penn Biden Center office in Washington, D.C., during his tenure as vice president and later in his home in Wilmington, Delaware. While former President Donald Trump has drawn comparisons, alleging differential treatment, White House officials emphasize that Biden voluntarily returned documents and cooperated with authorities.

Attorney General Garland appointed Special Counsel Hur to conduct an independent investigation, culminating in Biden’s deposition in October. Despite Hur’s characterization of Biden’s memory, the president has vehemently disputed any implications regarding his mental acuity.

The ongoing dispute underscores broader questions about government transparency and the limits of executive privilege, highlighting the complexities of balancing national security concerns with congressional oversight and public accountability.

Josephine

Official White House Photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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GET OUT AND VOTE

Local elections for Josephine County begin May 21st

GPT News Desk

The local elections for Josephine County are set to begin on May 21st, marking a crucial opportunity for residents to shape the future of their community. With several key positions up for grabs, including the Josephine County Commissioner Seat 2, voter participation is essential to ensure that elected officials truly represent the interests and needs of the community.

Voters will have the chance to cast their ballots for a range of candidates, each bringing unique perspectives and plans for the county’s development, public safety, and economic growth. It is vital for residents to familiarize themselves with the candidates

and their platforms to make informed decisions.

To vote, residents can visit any of the official ballot drop site locations spread throughout the county. These locations are easily accessible and have been strategically placed to accommodate all voters. For a comprehensive list of ballot drop sites, residents can visit the Josephine County website or simply search "Josephine County ballot box locations" online.

Polling stations will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on May 21st, ensuring ample time for everyone to participate in this pivotal election. Remember, every vote counts, and your participation is crucial in steering the county towards a prosperous future.

Make sure to exercise your right to vote and contribute to the decision-making process that will impact the community for years to come. Your vote is your voice — be heard on May 21st!

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Planner Senior

YOUR RETIREMENT GUIDE TO YOUTHFUL LIVING

Preparing for early retirement

What to know and what to look forward to

BY: LEAF BARRET

TURNING 55 IS A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE, often accompanied by thoughts of early retirement. With careful planning and informed decisions, retiring early can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Here's what you need to know and what to look forward to as you prepare for this exciting new chapter in your life.

The Foundation of Early Retirement

The cornerstone of a successful early retirement is robust financial planning. Here are some key considerations: Assess Your Savings: Calculate your total savings, including retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and any other investments. Experts typically recommend having 25 to 30 times your annual expenses saved up to ensure a comfortable retirement.

Create a Budget: Develop a detailed budget that outlines your expected retirement expenses. Factor in housing, healthcare, travel, leisure activities, and any other anticipated costs. Remember that healthcare expenses can increase as you age.

Social Security Benefits: Although you can start receiving Social Security benefits as early as 62, the longer you wait (up to age 70), the higher your monthly benefits will be. Decide when it's best for you to start taking benefits based on your financial needs and health status.

Healthcare Costs: Before you become eligible for Medicare at age 65, you'll need to secure health insurance. Look into COBRA, private insurance plans, or the Health Insurance Marketplace to find a plan that fits your needs.

Debt Management: Aim to pay off as much debt as possible before retiring. This includes mortgages, car loans, and credit card debt. Lowering your monthly obligations will help stretch your retirement savings further.

Embracing a New Routine

Early retirement is not just about finances; it's also about crafting a fulfilling lifestyle:

Identify Your Passions: Retirement offers the perfect opportunity to pursue hobbies and interests that you may not have had time for during your working years. Whether it's traveling, gardening, painting, or learning a new skill, having a passion can make your retirement years vibrant and enjoyable.

Volunteer and Give Back: Many retirees find satisfaction in giving back to their communities. Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and keep you engaged. Look for opportunities in local organizations, schools, or nonprofits.

Maintain Social Connections: Retirement can sometimes lead to social isolation. Stay connected with friends and family, join clubs or groups that share your

interests, and consider participating in community events.

Stay Active: Physical health is crucial for enjoying retirement. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, whether it's walking, cycling, yoga, or joining a fitness class. Staying active can help prevent many agerelated health issues.

Adjusting to a New Identity Retirement can bring about significant changes in identity and self-worth, especially if your career has been a major part of your life. Here’s how to prepare psychologically:

Plan for the Transition: Understand that adjusting to retirement is a process. Give yourself time to adapt to the new lifestyle and find a new sense of routine and purpose.

Set Goals: Establish short-term and long-term goals to keep yourself motivated and forward-thinking. These goals could be related to personal growth, health, or leisure activities.

Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from family, friends, or professional counselors if you experience difficulty adjusting to retirement. Talking about your feelings and experiences can be incredibly beneficial.

What to Look Forward To

Freedom and Flexibility: One of the most exciting aspects of early retirement is the freedom to structure your days as you wish. Without the constraints of a work schedule, you can explore new activities and interests at your own pace.

Travel Opportunities: With fewer time restrictions, you can plan extended trips and explore destinations you’ve always wanted to visit. Whether it's a crosscountry road trip, an overseas adventure, or frequent visits to see family, the possibilities are endless.

Quality Time with Loved Ones: Early retirement provides more opportunities to spend quality time with your spouse, children, grandchildren, and friends. Creating lasting memories with loved ones can be one of the most rewarding aspects of retirement.

Personal Growth: Use this time to invest in yourself. Take courses, attend workshops, or read extensively on topics that interest you. Continuous learning can keep your mind sharp and enrich your retirement years. Preparing for early retirement at 55 involves thorough financial, lifestyle, and psychological planning. By addressing these key areas, you can ensure a smooth transition and look forward to a retirement filled with freedom, fulfillment, and new adventures. Embrace this opportunity to shape your future and enjoy the fruits of your labor in the years to come.