Document text
- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Guide Weather Subscribe Contact Us October 27, 2004 Our View Densmore is the moderates choice During a nasty and heated primary campaign between Sue Densmore and incumbent Sue Kapillas, many argued that Densmore was too liberal to defeat Jackson County's C.W. Smith. The voters ultimately disagreed, nominated the first-time politician. At the time, we said of Densmore: "Densmore is not a baby-faced rookie with big ideas hoping to cover up an unproven track record. Densmore's success as the general manager of Rogue Waste Systems from 1989 to 1996 helped solidify the company, while boosting recycling and developing a sustainable landfill. She has been active with urban renewal and land-use issues in the city of Medford for more than 15 years. She co-founded the Urban Renewal Agency that has helped push Medford's downtown renewal. "Densmore's background, coming from rural Lake County, suggests an ability and understanding of the rural concerns of county residents. Likewise, she has garnered the support of the Oregon League of Women Voters and much of the local environmental community. She aims to bring her knowledge and sensitivity of diverse people together in cooperation - a worthy goal especially needed for the increasingly polarized residents of Ashland." All of which remains true today, except a funny thing happened on the way to the general election. The extremist candidate turned out to Smith, not the left-leaning Densmore. Smith has made it clear that if he wins, the entire county is open for business, which is not exactly bad. But heck, we think he means any kind of business! Smith is one of a few local public officials who actually favor Measure 37, a horrific abuse of local land use laws. His stance on maintaining air quality standards gives new meaning to the term, "flip-flopper." Probably what should be most concerning is that Smith fails to recognize that the city of Ashland is often at odds with the rest of the county, and genuine leadership will take a certain measure of tolerance, compromise and negotiation. None of this needs to be told to Sue Densmore. She effectively strattles the business community's interest while actively defending the many environmental concerns that are present within the county. A vote for C.W. Smith will neuter much of Ashland from future discussion and representation in Jackson County. A vote for Sue Densmore will provide a balanced and thoughtful approach to county government, from a woman with a business background that should keep an equal eye on the importance of the local economy. DailyTidings.com Home Page Archives | Revels | Classifieds | Real Estate Guide | Weather | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2005 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Slippers Isotoner Slippers Dsw Shoes Ceramic Piggy Banks Fanny Mae Eloans Calenders 2005 Calender 2005 Accelerate Weight Loss Programs Citibank Student Loans Acs Loan Matchmaking & Dating Scripts Adventure Travel Conference Calls - $50/Month Security Systems student loan consolidation helzberg diamonds Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams