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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Suspending ego identification helps in living enlightenment ... Grange remembers Leif Brecke ... Bonfire by Shop'n Kart parking lot leads to fence, cutting off short-cut ... Suspending ego identification helps in living enlightenment ... Grange remembers Leif Brecke ... Bonfire by Shop'n Kart parking lot leads to fence, cutting off short-cut ... OUR VIEW Our View: Retain Crain, Charter Comment DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Apr. 29, 2016 at 12:01 AM Posted Apr. 29, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News Two Jackson County judges — Circuit Judge Patricia Crain and Justice of the Peace Joe Charter — face challengers in the May 17 election. We see no compelling reason to replace either one. Crain, a Phoenix High School graduate, practiced law for 20 years before Gov. John Kitzhaber appointed her to the court. She has specialized in juvenile court and the county's Adult Drug Court, which offers offenders the chance to complete a rigorous drug treatment program rather than do prison time. Crain's opponent, Deputy District Attorney David Orr, is a critic of the practice of judges retiring in mid-term so the governor appoints their successor. That's a legitimate criticism of the system, but it's not a reason to replace any given judge. Orr also criticizes the drug court, saying it accepts too many repeat offenders who should serve prison time. He offers little evidence beyond anecdotal examples, which do not change our opinion that the drug court is a valuable part of the court system. Justice of the Peace Joe Charter, first elected in 2004, handles traffic offenses and other violations for the Jackson County Justice Court, which is funded by traffic fines. He has served ably, defending the court's revenue stream when the state wanted to take a larger share, and is an active community member. Charter's challenger, Gold Hill attorney Melissa Williams, says it's time for a change, but offers little criticism of Charter and has run a low-profile campaign. We recommend voters retain Crain and Charter. DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Apr. 29, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501