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By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune October 18. 2014 12:01AM Commissioner's race: Moro lauds energy efficiency jobs Tonia Moro Tonia Moro says economic development and diversification would be her top priorities if elected. "We still lag behind the rest of the urban counties in the state," said Moro. "Our unemployment rate is high and we have citizens needing assistance." A Democrat, Moro is an attorney specializing in appeals, criminal trials and business transactions. She said promoting clean, renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency would translate into more jobs in the county. Moro is part of the Rogue Energy Alliance and says she wants to identify hurdles that stand in the way of renewable energy development and efficiency improvements. She said strategic planning is needed to prepare for the future. A number of organizations, from Rogue Credit Union to the Clean Energy Works energy efficiency nonprofit group, can work together on those efforts, she said. "The county can assist, even if it's just being the champion of those efforts or lending staff assistance," Moro said. She said she wants to help the high-tech and value-added agriculture sectors thrive. Value-added agriculture involves going beyond the production of crops to turn raw commodities into more valuable products, such as speciality foods. Moro said irrigation districts, government jurisdictions and other organizations need a plan of action for implementing the proposed Water for Irrigation, Streams & Economy — or WISE — project. The project includes installing pipelines to prevent evaporation and water seepage from miles of local irrigation canals. It would increase water supplies, water quality and the reliability of irrigation water, according to proponents. Local, state and federal funding would be needed to carry out the costly project, which is still being studied. Moro said she's been meeting with members of the high-tech sector to understand their needs. She said the community needs to determine whether there is enough broadband capacity to handle high-tech growth. More spaces where high-tech professionals can collaborate on projects may also be needed. On the issue of legalizing recreational marijuana — which Oregon voters will decide on Nov. 4 — Moro said she has mixed feelings. She is a member of the board of directors for OnTrack Inc., which provides addiction recovery programs and services. "I'm concerned we'll have to devote more resources to addiction recovery," Moro said. "But I've also been a criminal defense attorney for many years. Prohibition of marijuana has not been working. It costs taxpayers, and with the black market, we get violence." She believes state voters will legalize recreational marijuana and the county must prepare to deal with that change. Ultimately, Moro said she supports passage of the measure because she is confident the community can deal with the health and safety implications of legalization. "I think it's going to pass. As a community, I think we can deal with it," Moro said. Tonia Moro TONIA MOROTown: MedfordAge: 50Occupation: AttorneyEducation: Juris doctor law degree, bachelor's degree in political sciencePrior government experience: Designated attorney of the Henault firm for Jacksonville, Talent, Shady Cove and Gold Hill http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20141018/NEWS/141019651 © 2015 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->