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--> --> Fitzgerald opens bid for Holt's commissioner seat By Myles Murphy Ashland Daily Tidings Longtime county government watchdog Walter Fitzgerald will take on incumbent Ric Holt for Jackson County Commissioner Position No. 3. Fitzgerald was set today to kick off his candidacy on the steps of the Jackson County Courthouse in Medford. Fitzgerald, a 55-year-old Sams Valley resident, has kept a close eye on the actions of county leaders for more then 10 years, attending most of the commission meetings, writing letters and making his voice heard. "I like to be critical in a positive way," Fitzgerald, a Republican, said. He said he has respect for the views of commissioners Jack Walker and Sue Kupillas, but believes Holt has been in office too long and has grown complacent. "Ric Holt is doing absolutely nothing," he said. "That's why I'm running against him." Past work of the commissioners has been focused more on building government for the sake of government, rather than for the sake of people, Fitzgerald believes. "It's time for new thinking," he said. Aside from time spent in the military and pursuing higher education, Fitzgerald has lived his entire life in the Rogue Valley. He manages a wood lot, rangeland with livestock and the remainder of an orchard planted by his family. Fitzgerald has been the director of the Jackson County Soil and Water Conservation District since 2000, and also serves on the Resource Conservation & Development Council and other volunteer groups. He drives about 500 miles a month to participate in civic and community work. For more information, contact Fitzgerald's campaign office at (541) 855-7933. 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