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--> --> Muddy water runs through local election In what has to be an unprecedented maneuver, first-term Ashland Mayor Alan DeBoer has convinced one city council candidate to change positions, while endorsing another candidate for the very same position, in order to defeat a third candidate for the position, all the while trying to set up his favorite candidate for a completely different position. If this sounds murky, it's only because it is. DeBoer, to his credit, went public with his feelings and maneuvers, saying "I'm really torn about how active the mayor should be in elections." Nevertheless, he's been mighty active. DeBoer urged council candidate Andrew Bangsberg to switch from Position 4 to Position 2, because at the time there was only one candidate running for Position 2 - Eric Navickas - who DeBoer wants to see defeated. Plus, Position 4 finds Cameron Hanson running for re-election, and DeBoer supports his candidacy. DeBoer also urged Kate Jackson - who is serving pro tem for Hanson as he serves with the Oregon Army National Guard in the Sinai - to switch seats, but she stood firm in her seeking elected office to Position 4. The water got even muddier when the mayor, after convincing Bangsberg to run against Navickas, endorsed Alex Amarotico for that seat. Meanwhile, outside the confines of DeBoer's immediate attempts to form the council in his image, Bangsberg and Navickas have been exchanging barbs, while a fourth candidate for Position 4, Brent Thompson, maneuvers for the best ground to support his candidacy. · Bangsberg on Navickas: I know for a fact that Eric has been spreading rumors that DeBoer is secretly bankrolling me. He doesn't have enough money. Nobody does. · Navickas on Bangsberg: I've heard the same rumors. Andrew actually told me that himself. · Thompson on DeBoer and all the others: It doesn't matter to me who jumps in to what race. · Amarotico on the maneuvering: I wondered why Bangsberg switched from No. 4 to No. 2. Now, I know. But I have never had a conversation with DeBoer about my candidacy. It couldn't be more bizarre. Ultimately, however, we have faith in Ashland voters to do the right thing. In the meantime, perhaps the mayor and all the candidates should go out for a Chicago-style pizza. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing