It’s Time to Rise and Sign
By: Jay Meredith, CPA
Lately, it seems like a week doesn’t go by without Josephine County Commissioner John West in the news after some rash decision that will either be costly for Josephine County or involve behavior that results in a further loss of trust with the citizens West claims to serve. Amid a recall petition signature-gathering effort, which organizers say is on track to place West’s recall measure on a special election later this year, Commissioner West’s actions are becoming more desperate and, unfortunately, more costly for the citizens of Josephine County.
Just last weekend, videos surfaced on Facebook showing Commissioner West threatening and intimidating a woman on the sidewalk across the street from the County Courthouse. Rumors are circulating regarding West's attempts to intimidate any county staff members who may have signed the recall petition, and West’s personal attorney has already sent a letter to the County Clerk demanding to inspect the signed petitions.
Commissioners West and Baertschiger, just three months ago, bargained in bad faith and decided to decline the sale of a county forestry property referred to as Pipe Fork. The sale would have been at a price of $2.3 million, above the federal appraised price. After intentionally derailing a negotiation that was about four years in the making with a Williams-area community group, this property is now back up for sale. The kicker is, it’s going straight to public auction, bundled with one other nearby county forestry property, at a minimum bid price nearly 10% less per acre on average compared to the sale price Commissioners West and Baertschiger declined three months ago. Bundling this property with another appears to be an attempt to make it harder for the Williams-area community group to purchase it, and with federal funds likely no longer available to help, many citizens are extremely concerned about Pipe Fork’s future.
Commissioners West and Baertschiger appear to have turned a win-win scenario into a lose-lose situation. What’s worse, the commissioners are also auctioning five other timber properties in the Williams area, and all seven county forestry
properties up for auction have a combined minimum bid price of $10.4 million. This is one of the largest forestry property auctions by the county in modern times, approved and put forward without even allowing the public to weigh in on the pros and cons of the proposed sales. One retired forestry professional noted that this is a very strange action considering these are the most productive and valuable properties within the county’s timber portfolio.
Just last summer, the County Mining Advisory Committee (which Commissioner West attends as a liaison) approved an action requesting the county provide advance notice of any forestry property it is considering selling. This is because the mineral development potential on some county properties could yield a financial benefit many times greater than that of the timber values. Owning mining companies himself, Commissioner West knows this and chose to ignore the request, not allowing the public to weigh in on the series of forestry property sales before putting them up for auction.
Questions abound. Why is Pipe Fork now being sold for potentially close to 10% less than the recently declined purchase offer? Given the relatively weak timber market this year, is this the best time to sell such a large number of forestry properties? If the properties sell, are there suitable coastal or other timber properties available for purchase as replacements? Has a financial projection been conducted to show the estimated or potential yield difference by selling these properties? Is this just the beginning, and does Commissioner West intend to sell even more county forestry properties without conducting any kind of mineral assessment? Without careful consideration, these property auctions may primarily benefit private parties rather than provide the highest total yield to the county.
While there’s much more to discuss from recent weeks, the last example today is the meeting held at the fairgrounds last month, arranged to let various groups affected by the commissioners’ decision to defund the 4H Extension Service District for the last two years weigh in on how the county may be able to help restore those services. Reportedly, attendance wasn’t
great because certain programs, like the Master Gardeners program, can’t be restored without working through OSU. Perhaps the commissioners should have listened to the dozens of citizens who attended commissioner meetings last summer, warning them not to cancel these programs or defund the Extension Service District.
Commissioner West’s personal agenda is now clearer than ever. The agenda is dominated by decisions that ignore the will of the people, benefit special interest groups, and attack or threaten any agency or group of people that have slightly different political outlooks than Commissioner West. If West doesn’t like a certain agency or group trying to do business with Josephine County, they won’t be doing business together, no matter how beneficial it is for the county as a whole.
Josephine County voters have only 10 more days to sign the recall petition before the due date for submitting petitions to the County Clerk. Download a single-signature petition at https://www.recalljohnwest.com, or better yet, stop into the Recall Office at 600 SE 7th Street in Grants Pass. It’s time to rise and sign.
City Manager Expresses Concerns Over Unhoused Resting Sites in Grants Pass
By: Leaf Barret
Grants Pass, OR – In a recent memorandum addressed to Mayor Bristol and the City Council, City Manager Aaron K. Cubic highlighted growing concerns surrounding the management of the city’s current resting locations for the unhoused. The letter, dated October 8, 2024, outlined several issues associated with the existing policy and proposed potential changes aimed at alleviating these challenges.
The current policies were initially adopted to regulate time, place, and manner for resting in public spaces, successfully leading to increased recreational use of parks and minimizing their use for sleeping. However, policy changes allowing individuals to remain at resting sites for up to a week have blurred the lines between short-term rest and semi-permanent habitation. Cubic notes that this shift has strained the original intent of these resting sites, creating a conflict between public park use and providing services for the unhoused.
for longer stays. This would potentially include leasing a building located at 1990 NW Washington Blvd for $16,000 per month and contracting with service providers, estimating an annual cost of $1.5 million.
The memo indicates a proactive stance by the city in adapting policies to better address community needs while managing resources effectively. The proposed changes aim to find a balance between supporting the unhoused and maintaining park use for the general public. Further deliberations by the city council are expected to follow.
To address these concerns, Cubic recom-
According to the city manager, the extended resting hours, changes in weather, and heightened service demand have compounded the difficulties in managing the sites. Concerns also include the significant city resources required for site management and the potential legal risks associated with compliance to ADA standards.
mended exploring a new approach. One proposal involves revising the current policies on time, place, and manner, possibly modifying exclusion or inclusion criteria. Another suggestion involves shifting away from unmanaged sites towards a model that aligns with the city's policy of controlled environments
County Commissioner, John West with the Women in Red
COLENE MARTIN FOR
Josephine County Commissioner Position # 2
MY BACKGROUND
27 YEARS BUSINESS
OWNER OF PHOTO DEN CURRENTLY AT JOHN L SCOTT
12 YEARS OF WORKING WITH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND BUSINESS
30+ YEARS OF VOLUNTEER ACTIVE BOARD LEADERSHIP
My priority is pragmatic problem-solving, and good governance.
I have proven leadership with decades of successes at the state and local levels.
I am asking for your vote in Novemeber.
Colene Martin
MY POSITIONS ON CURRENT ISSUES
BUDGET & FINANCE
1
2
Transparency and clarity to the citizens, budget committee and the staff is essential Fiscal responsibility, with efficiencies in current budgets I am dedicated to keeping our county sound and affordable for our residents
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
We need to be an innovative and a forward-thinking community, supporting our business community and employees I am looking forward to seeing the Fairgrounds becoming an economic driver to our community. Expanding and utilizing our airports, there is an opportunity and need for job training in the flight industry as well as for the hobbyist. Maintaining and improving our parks to serve the families and their activities Illinois Valley is growing, and the vibe out there is brilliant, they want to enrich their community & support their neighbors Supporting our organic and agriculture industry
INSURING OUR COMMUNITIES SAFETY
3
4
My unwavering commitment to the safety of our community drives my vision. I’ll work tirelessly to fortify law-enforcement staff and resources for our Sheriff and the jail
HOUSING/HOMELESS
I will collaborate with existing building programs, nonprofits and healthcare workers to see how we can expand these crucial services in our county. We need a comprehensivecommon sense approach while respecting the rights of property owners
For more info Electcolenemartin.com Paid for Friends of Colene Martin # 23406
NEWS DESK
Candidates Forum Highlights Debate on Josephine County’s Future
By: John Oliver
Last week, the candidates for the Josephine County Board of Commissioners gathered for a forum that offered insights into the upcoming election and the key issues facing the community. The candidates, listed alphabetically, included Chris Barnett and Colene Martin for Position 2, and Pat Fahey and Ron Smith for Position 3. The forum highlighted a sharp contrast in approaches to addressing the county's governance and priorities.
The Position 3 race has drawn significant attention, as Pat Fahey and Ron Smith vie for the seat being vacated by Herman Baertschiger Jr., who plans to step down this year. Fahey, a longtime Grants Pass resident and active community leader, emphasized his commitment to improving county government by tackling corruption and waste. Drawing on his experience with the Josephine County Library and Rogue Community College, he proposed practical solutions aimed at enhancing transparency and redirecting funds to support vital services. Fahey criticized the current administration for mismanagement, suggesting that funds have been misallocated, particularly with regard to the sheriff’s department and other critical public safety resources.
Smith, however, offered a different approach. His responses often appeared to lack clarity, and at times, he deferred responsibility to the sheriff's department when discussing crime and policing policies. Smith suggested that the sheriff’s department should bear a greater role in addressing these concerns, but provided few specifics on how he would facilitate improvements or fund necessary changes. His reluctance to take a strong stance on issues such as public safety drew criticism from both his opponents and forum attendees.
For Position 2, the race features Chris Barnett and Colene Martin, who also displayed divergent views on the county’s priorities. Barnett frequently cited his extensive work experience, including his past role in “law enforcement”, and the various other positions he currently holds. He argued for the creation of a volunteer sheriff’s posse as a solution to bolster law enforcement efforts. However, his proposal was met with skepticism, given the county’s history of budget cuts to the sheriff's department. Critics questioned how Barnett would
fund such an initiative without compromising other essential services, and some pointed to his alignment with Commissioner John West as a sign that he may continue the current administration's contentious policies.
Colene Martin, in contrast, presented herself as a voice of reason, offering well-considered solutions to many of the county’s pressing problems. She advocated for a more balanced approach to budget management and took a firm stance against excessive spending, such as the controversial IT budget. Martin argued that the funds could be better utilized to enhance the sheriff’s department, a position that resonated with many in the audience. While she avoided getting too deep into the weeds of law enforcement policies, Martin’s pragmatic outlook on fiscal responsibility won her praise from attendees who have grown weary of the county’s financial woes.
Throughout the forum, Fahey and Martin stood out for their detailed responses and their willingness to challenge the status quo. Both candidates voiced concerns about
ethical violations within the current administration and expressed a desire to bring fresh perspectives to county governance. In contrast, Smith and Barnett struggled to articulate clear policy positions, often defaulting to vague criticisms of existing departments rather than offering concrete solutions.
The forum made it clear that Josephine County voters are at a crossroads. The upcoming election presents a choice between candidates who advocate for significant change and those who appear more aligned with existing practices. Whether residents prefer to see a continuation of the current path or a bold new direction will shape the future of the county.
As the election approaches, the stakes are high. Voters will have to decide whether to endorse the approaches proposed by Barnett or Martin for Position 2, and Fahey or Smith for Position 3. The decisions made at the ballot box will determine the trajectory of county policies on public safety, budget management, and governance reform.
Understanding the Recall of Commissioner John West
WE ARE A GROUP of concerned residents committed to the recall of Commissioner John West, driven by our deep concern for the well-being of our community.
Our mission is to address and correct the leadership and decision-making issues that have negatively impacted the health and safety of our county, led to financial mismanagement, and resulted in violations of state laws.
WHY WE’RE TAKING ACTION
Our efforts are based on several key concerns:
Pipe Fork Property Sale: We believe that West engaged in bad faith negotiations over the sale of the Pipe Fork property, which not only cost the county valuable revenue but also put a vital water source for the Williams community at risk.
Disregard for Voter Will: West has consistently ignored the will of the voters by cutting essential funding for community programs such as the Oregon State U niversity Extension Service, law enforcement, and public health initiatives. These cuts have strained the very services that our residents depend on.
Legal Violations: There are serious allegations against West, including violations of state laws, campaign finance regulations, and public meeting laws. He is also facing pending ethics and labor law violations, raising significant concerns about his adherence to legal and ethical standards.
Library District Withdrawal: West unilaterally approved the county’s withdrawal from a Library District, a decision that has led to costly litigation and strained county resources.
Threats to Community Safety: West’s decisions have jeopardized community safety by reducing or eliminating critical emergency preparedness programs, including scaling back the Firewise program, cutting the Emergency Management program, and removing fire safety standards for property development.
Questionable Hiring Practices: We are concerned that West has prioritized political loyalty over merit by appointing unqualified political allies to key county positions, compromising the effectiveness of our local government.
OUR VISION
We envision a county where leadership is accountable, transparent, and truly representative of the community’s best interests. Our recall effort is a step towards restoring integrity in local governance and ensuring that our county’s future is guided by ethical and responsible decision-making.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
As we continue to gather support for this recall, we encourage all community members who share our concerns to join us in this important effort. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our county is governed by leaders who prioritize the well-being of all residents.
MOVING FORWARD
The recall of Commissioner John West is about more than just addressing past actions; it’s about setting a new standard for leadership in our county. If we can join together and collect enough petition signatures from Josephine County voters, the recall ballot measure will appear on a special election ballot in December 2024. You will see by the facts behind our petition points that Commissioner John West has cost the citizens millions just in his first 19 months in office. If enough of our fellow voters agree, we are justified in bringing this special election before voters because Josephine County cannot afford two more years of the extremely costly decision-making of Commissioner John West.
What a National Deportation Program Under a Second Trump Presidency Could Look Like
Is It Feasible and Humane?
By: Ellen Ward
With the 2024 presidential election approaching, speculation is mounting about what a potential second term for Donald J. Trump could mean for U.S. immigration policy. One proposal that has gained traction in discussions is the idea of a national deportation program aimed at removing undocumented immigrants who entered the country during the Biden-Harris administration. While such a plan would undoubtedly appeal to some voters, it also raises significant questions about feasibility, humaneness, and the legal implications for those legitimately seeking asylum.
During his first term, President Trump took a hardline stance on immigration, introducing measures such as the “zero-tolerance” policy that led to family separations at the border, increased interior immigration enforcement, and attempts to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). His administration also reduced the number of refugees admitted to the U.S. and instituted travel bans for certain countries. If elected again, it is likely he would pursue similarly stringent policies, potentially even more aggressively given the ongoing de-
bate about border security and illegal immigration.
Implementing a mass deportation program targeting those who entered the U.S. illegally during the Biden administration would be an unprecedented and complex task. It would likely involve significant expansions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) resources, increased use of detention facilities, and potentially new legislation to expedite deportation proceedings. In order to manage such a large-scale operation, the government would need to hire more immigration judges, border patrol agents, and ICE officers to handle the legal and logistical workload.
However, organizing such a program in a manner that is both humane and efficient would be a daunting challenge.
The U.S. has seen large-scale deportations before, but not to the scale and speed likely required for a program targeting an estimated 2-5 million individuals. Ensuring that families are kept together, proper legal procedures are followed, and humane conditions are maintained in detention centers would require extensive planning, coordination, and resources.
One of the biggest hurdles to a largescale deportation program is the question of how to handle legitimate asylum claims. Under U.S. law, individuals who
arrive at the border have the right to request asylum if they fear persecution in their home country. The current asylum system, however, is overwhelmed, with cases taking years to process due to backlogs in immigration courts.
Implementing a mass deportation initiative without considering these legal obligations would likely face challenges in federal courts and draw international condemnation. A humane approach would need to involve expanding asylum processing capabilities, ensuring proper legal representation for asylum seekers, and establishing clear criteria to differentiate between economic migrants and those with legitimate claims of persecution.
While the Trump administration did deport hundreds of thousands of people during his first term, a national program of this scale would require significant financial and human resources.
Questions would arise about funding, especially given that past mass deportation efforts have cost billions of dollars. The political landscape could also complicate the effort, as any large-scale deportation plan would face opposition not only from Democrats but potentially from some Republicans and advocacy groups.
While a national deportation program under a second Trump presiden-
cy could theoretically be implemented, doing so in an organized, humane, and legally sound manner would be a significant undertaking. The logistical, ethical, and financial challenges would need to be addressed carefully, especially regarding those with legitimate asylum claims. As discussions about immigration policy continue, the feasibility and humaneness of such a proposal will remain key points of contention in the broader debate.
AP Photo/Salvador Gonzalez
COMMUNITY GRANTS PASS WEATHER
Community Unites for Baker Park Cleanup Effort
GPT NEWS DESK
The community is coming together for the next park cleanup event at Baker Park today, Sunday, October 20, 2024. Volunteers are invited to participate in the effort to restore and maintain the beauty of the park. The event will begin at 1 p.m., with participants asked not to arrive before 12:30 p.m. Cleanup activities will start at the boat ramp parking lot, with plans to extend through the park's pathways and underpass.
This will be the first cleanup effort at Baker Park in six weeks, and organizers are anticipating a significant amount of litter and debris, even though the area does not typically host campers. Volunteers will collect trash and other waste, working around any homeless encampments encountered, documenting them, and then moving on to continue the cleanup. Participants may be surprised by the variety of items discovered over such a short period. Those who own metal detectors are encouraged to bring them along for any potential treasure-hunting opportunities.
Prior to beginning the cleanup, there will be a short meeting and a meet-and-greet session to introduce new and returning volunteers. The organizers will provide gloves, trash bags, and
grabbers to ensure everyone is equipped for the task. For newcomers, limited edition “Ask Me About My Parks” pins will be available as a small token of appreciation. Additional pins are expected to be available in the near future.
Baker Park has long been cherished by the local community, and efforts like these not only keep it clean but also foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility. Previous cleanups have highlighted the ongoing need to maintain public spaces and keep them safe and enjoyable for everyone.
For those interested in joining future cleanup events, organizers encourage becoming involved in planning meetings and participating in park maintenance efforts. The initiative aims to inspire a sense of stewardship and community pride, as well as to raise awareness about the importance of caring for shared public spaces.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and no previous experience is necessary—just a willingness to help. To stay informed about future cleanup events or to get involved with the planning process, contact the organizing team or visit the local community board for upcoming dates and details. Together, let's keep our parks clean and vibrant for everyone to enjoy.
5 DAY OUTLOOK
SOURCE: WEATHER.COM SUNDAY
TAKE A BREAK
