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http:// --> Ashland, Oregon HOME Valley & State Sports Nation & World Opinion/Editorial Classifieds Business Columnists Obituaries Weather Archive Hot Topics Forum Photo Gallery Past Readers Polls Revels Etcetera Backpage O-Zone Special Sections Real Estate Guide Menu Guide Shakespeare Subscribe Contact Us Rate Card Place an Ad Online Games Movie Preview October 16, 2006 Evidence confirms Navickas' residency By Vickie Aldous Ashland Daily Tidings It's a rumor that has dogged Ashland City Council candidate Eric Navickas for years. Some people believe Navickas is not really an Ashland resident. Since City Council members must live within the city limits, that has led some to some to question the legitimacy of Navickas's candidacy. The same rumor arose in 2002, when Navickas lost a four-way race for a City Council seat. He faces Greg Lemhouse, a Medford Police Department sergeant, in this November's election. Eric Navickas helps customers at his stand at the Growers Market. Amelia Wirts | Daily Tidings file photo The rumor has been fed by the fact that Navickas runs an organic farm with his brother in Prospect, more than 50 miles from Ashland. He also shared an Ashland phone number with his mother at the time of the 2002 election. That caused some to speculate Navickas was using his mother's address to establish residency. Navickas said he previously rented a studio from his mother at her Faith Street home. He said he later lived on Bridge Street before moving to his current home, an apartment on Iowa Street. In candidacy papers filed this summer, Navickas listed an address on Iowa Street as his home. Ashland City Recorder Barbara Christensen said she confirmed with the Jackson County Elections Office that Navickas is a registered voter at the Iowa Street address, which is within city limits. Jackson County Clerk Kathy Beckett said her office confirms the addresses of registered voters through the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles. A Tidings reporter also visited the Iowa Street apartment with Navickas. He had personal belongings and food there. Navickas regularly answers and returns phone calls from an Ashland number that is not his mother's number. His roommate at the Iowa Street apartment also answered a recent phone call made to Navickas' number and said Navickas would be "home" that night after canvassing neighborhoods for the election. Navickas returned the phone call later in the evening. Navickas said he has been discouraged to see personal comments about him and questions about his residency posted on a Tidings Web site discussion page. "I've worked hard on this campaign to focus on real issues," he said. Some commentators have not only questioned whether he lives in Ashland, they have faulted Navickas — an environmental activist — for driving back and forth from Ashland to Prospect if he does live in Ashland. Navickas said he drives to the farm three times a week at most during the busiest time of the year. During the winter, he said he rarely visits the farm. "One of the problems I see with Ashland is the price of land is so high," he said. "It's really difficult to have a farm close to the city. I would love to be able to claim I could change that, but that's the reality of the market. In town, I do use my bicycle as much as I can." In addition to farming, Navickas said he does residential design from his apartment. He said he recently finished a house and studio addition design project in Roseburg and has another project lined up for later this fall. Although some people may not believe Navickas is an Ashland resident, he said he has first-hand experience with how difficult it is to continue living in a pricey community. "That's one of the reasons I'm going to fight for affordable housing. It is expensive," he said. "I live in a small apartment with a roommate. It's the only way for me to be able to live here. I want to promote affordable rental housing and diversify the economy. It is difficult for people to live here without high-paying jobs and with expensive housing." Staff writer Vickie Aldous can be reached at 479-8199 or [email protected]. Current Comments: The Tidings is stretching to smear Navickas. It would be news if Navickas was NOT a resident, but since he is, where is the story? It is not remarkable to work somewhere else in the valley. Anyway, once again Navickas gets good quotes and the other guy is ignored! There is not much to say about the Lemhouse. He has no experience in government and no track record doing anything in Ashland. Just a cop with a scary record in Medford - http://www.rogueimc.org/en/2006/10/7392.shtml Moe - Ashland, Oregon - October 16th, 3:59 PM I get a kick out of Navickass supports feeling like people are being rude to Eric. This from a guy who throws dirt on people when he doesn't agree with them? Don't vote for Eric, Eric is not good for this town. Dennis - Ashland, OR - October 16th, 5:18 PM Dennis, a feeble smear-job. Even idiots would need a better one than this not to vote for Navickas. If you have any facts that Navickas "is not good for this town," let's hear them. Max - Ashland, OR - October 16th, 8:02 PM Actually - Eric never threw dirt on anyone. One of many lies and urban myths that people are making up about Eric. Moe - Ashland, Oregon - October 16th, 9:08 PM Once again...the Tidings does a feeble job of reporting a non-issue. Why not focus on real reporting...dare I say journalism. Go back and examine your own reporting of Navickas and the many antics of working outside the system that he now wants to be a part of....e.g. running naked on the steps of the city council or protesting on the plaza, etc. Navickas is "not good for this town" because he has demontrated that he cannot conduct himself with dignity and respect. Ed - Ashland, Oregon - October 16th, 9:34 PM If you want to guarantee years of more council inaction, dysfunction, and malaise, I urge you to vote for Jackson, Navickas, Dolinger or Chapman (no difference). With this bunch of candidates, we're doomed. SeppiSlice - Ashland - October 16th, 9:47 PM "Not conducting himself with dignity and respect" no doubt translates into "shocked some tourists," or "actually spoke the truth." No, heaven forbid voting for people who possess both of the elements of good leadership: intelligence and courage! Kirkus - Ashland, OR - October 16th, 10:25 PM Ed, Does protesting on the plaza prove that a person is not worthy to serve on the city council? I haven't been inclined toward Eric, but your argument sways me to him. Please explain your criteria for public service. Chris - Ashland, OR - October 16th, 10:54 PM Navickas is getting a lot of publicity from this topic. Lucky guy. I won't be voting for him. However, I find it odd that there is a huge article on his residency and no mention of proving the residency of another candidate, Randy Dolinger who apparently lives in a tent. Is he a resident according to the laws? Seems unfair to only look at one candidate's living status while ignoring the other....and I won't be voting for him either. Lisa - Ashland - October 16th, 11:50 PM Eric Navickas has made contributions to Ashland on the big box ordinance, street tree ordinance, watershed fuel reduction plans, Mt. Ashland expansion, and many issues. Lemhouse has never contributed to Ashland civic matters. He is just a tough guy cop. He is running a negative campaign with lies and exaggerations. Navickas doesn�t bother to reply to these smears. Entrenched interests hate Eric because he is usually right and usually wins. They couldn't find a real candidate to run against Eric. Paul Copeland - Ashland - October 17th, 10:08 AM I'd love to live in Malibu but can't afford it... would someone please make that affordable for me so I don't have to work so much. Thanks, Norbert The Beach ( [email protected] ) - Ashland - October 17th, 10:29 AM Paul is basically right on. It's true Lemhouse puts on quite a show at forums and such, but he basically says nothing except how cute his wife thinks he is. He's a Medford cop not an Ashland public servant. As far as Navickas' residency goes: Sheesh! Ashland's Mayor doesn't even live in AShland. It's a little known fact that he has a house in Ashland but actually resides in Talent with his girlfriend. Give Navickas a break. This is all about the press smearing people during an election. jade - Ashland, OR - October 17th, 11:17 AM Ed thinks Eric is working outside the system because he was naked and a protestor. Wow! talk about ignorance and self-loathing clashing. Ed it is ok for us to be naked. We all have bodies and nudity is nothing to be ashamed of. And as for protest, well our country was founded by rebels and protestors remember? That's right Edward, the USA was founded by radicals just like Navickas, the hard-working farmer who cares about poor people and wants to make a difference. I'll vote for him. know your enemy - ashland - October 18th, 7:04 AM Sitting here naked as I write;in honor of Eric.The Tidings reported on this with Eric's consent.It is news and important because it goes to character of the canidate-integrity.I'm still not convinced.Eric used mom's address in '02 and now he uses a friends apartment on Iowa St.in '06. I'd like to see the rental agreement for the apartment?There was food and personal items there?How about a utility bill, telephone bill or a lease in Eric's name? Mom's house, friend's apt. - Character folks...none Steve L. Iverson - Ashland, Jefferson - October 19th, 10:50 AM I'm wondering if Eric ever pays any income tax?? Or does he pay any property tax into the base here in Ashland?? Also, how much gas $$ does it take to go back and forth to Prospect?? This guy shouldn't stand a chance. Eric, when you loose, will you leave us taxpayers of Ashland alone please?? Development and building creates jobs. Talent is affordable housing for Ashland. Elected offices should serve the majority. Shouldn't elected officials not have a personal agenda? Curious - Ashland - October 20th, 2:18 PM Paul, why so harsh on Greg Lemhouse? Have you even met him or spoken to him? I have never heard him speak a lie about Eric. He hasn't even mentioned the negative things Eric and his supporters have done during this campaign, such as ripping down Lemhouse signs. That is not a smear, but a fact - ask Bridge St. residents. I know that you attend many community meetings and often share your opinions. Maybe you should try running for an elected position instead of just attending ACLU meetings. Jackie Hassell - Ashland, OR - October 20th, 3:41 PM Let's face it! In Ashland there will always be those who desire to have city officials who run around naked and condemn those who have a traditional job and encompasses dignity and respect for the law. I happen to be a voter who wants my city council to work within the law and respect all views within a reasonable perameter. I am voting for Greg Lemhouse! Not only is he a good person, he is intelligent and respectful and will make the best decisions for the city in which he and his family live. Joyce Humann - Ashland, OR 97520 - October 21st, 10:51 AM do you really think a grown man who lives with his mommy and crashes on his friends couch is the best this city can do? Mike - Ashland - October 21st, 8:43 PM Hey Mikey, Dude. City Council members should reflect the people they represent. Navickas represents a lot of registered non conformists from this town...couch-surfing has become a favorite past time of many of our "disenfranchised youth". People, who lack motivation, live at home and sponge off others. They expect to get everything for nothing. Navickas took his clothes off once to protest against something...he's now entitled. Hartzell and Navickas.I weep for the future, how bad can it get? Steve L. Iverson - Ashland, Jefferson - October 22nd, 9:24 AM Yeah, these lazy couch-surfers who live with their mothers are so beneath us...you know us...the wealthy elite who have the luxury of sitting at home with our AFN weighing in on these critical issues all day long...critical issues like if Navickas had the right food and personal items in his apartment. Let me cast my vote for Steve Iverson for moral authority on criteria not just for city council criteria but whether living with mom or being naked is immoral! know your enemy - ashland - October 23rd, 8:35 AM Leave a Comment: Advertisement: Advertisement: Paid Advertising Inkjet Printers Student Loans Water Filter Helzberg Diamonds Mortgage Calculator Security Systems Advertisement: Copyright © 2006 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers. All Rights Reserved.