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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend September 15, 2006 Several county candidates joust over issuses Land use, the number of commissioners and the duties of the sheriff were discussed in an hour-long League of Women Voters forum By Damian Mann Mail Tribune They had a scant hour to say their piece Thursday, but candidates running for county positions sparred over land-use issues and managed to get in a few digs at their opponents. The Medford League of Women Voters featured candidates for two county commissioner positions, the sheriff's post and the county clerk. Candidates for the commissioners' races included Republican incumbent Jack Walker and challengers Tom Winmill, a Democrat, and independent Diane Davidson; and Republican Craig Prewitt running for the county commissioner position now held by Democrat Dave Gilmour. For sheriff, Medford police Lt. Tim George is challenging incumbent Mike Winters. County Clerk Kathy Beckett is unopposed. Advertisement Winters, who was scheduled to appear, missed the forum, saying he was planning another marijuana eradication mission like those his agency and others have been assisting the DEA with in recent weeks. But, he added, "I should have been there." Gilmour, who was in Washington, D.C., lobbying for continuation of a federal timber subsidy, had a brief statement read on his behalf. He said he has helped give a different voice on the board of commissioners, supported air quality, and promoted the creation of a light industrial community north of Central Point. Gilmour, a Central Point doctor, ran in 2002 saying he could be a part-time commissioner. But his opponent, Republican Craig Prewitt, said, "I disagree that a part-time commitment is enough." He said it is too important a job and requires someone who can devote a full-time effort to it. Winmill, who is running for the commissioner seat now held by Jack Walker, came to Gilmour's defense. "His ideas and his commitment to the county are just as strong as anyone else's," he said. Measure 37 and other land use issues were also debated. Davidson said she would have liked more public involvement in deciding the claims filed under Measure 37. "No, I don't believe in any of these dealings done behind closed doors," she said. She also said there should be five commissioners instead of three, and that it should be a nonpartisan position. "Party politics needs to be out of it," she said. The current political mix has two Republicans and a Democrat serving as Jackson County commissioners. Prewitt said commissioners have handled Measure 37 claims "prudently," and said he had no problem with executive sessions to iron out any legal issues before voting on the claim in a public meeting. He didn't think five commissioners are necessary, saying three full-time commissioners are sufficient. Winmill criticized handling the Measure 37 claims largely in executive sessions, adding that the property rights law itself was badly written and has proven difficult to implement. Walker said the county has only 180 days to process a claim, or it gets stuck paying for the lost value claimed by the property owner. The executive sessions help keep the county out of potential legal entanglements, he said. "We can get sued by both sides," said Walker. Walker didn't think the county needs five commissioners, saying three is adequate as long as there is a solid administration backing them up. In the sheriff's race, clear differences emerged as to how the two candidates view the job. George said priorities for him as sheriff would be making sure there is adequate space to hold county jail inmates for their entire sentence and making sure the public is safe. He said he views the sheriff's office as the top leadership role for law enforcement in the county, a role that means working closely with other law enforcement agencies. "If you run around like a chicken with its head cut off you won't know what your mission is," he said. "You don't hire me to be a road deputy." Winters, reached by phone later, defended the way he handles being sheriff, which for him means going out on patrol at times. "There's a lot of days and nights when I could watch a ball game, but I choose to go out," he said. "I wear a uniform so I can respond to calls." Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com