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SUNNY Temp: 55 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Thursday, November 21, 2002 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend September 13, 2002 Candidates launch darts Discussion by county commission contenders at League forum grows spirited at times By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune In February, Jackson County Commissioner Ric Holt saw no reason to increase the size of the county’s governing board from three to five members without major population growth. But during a candidate forum on Thursday, Holt changed his tune, telling the League of Women Voters of the Rogue Valley that he now supports the idea. "We’re going to discuss it," the Republican said following the forum, hosted by the League. "At the end of this four years, we’re going to need it." Nearly 100 people attended the 90-minute, mid-day forum at J.J. North’s on Thursday. Before letting candidates speak their minds, League President Eileen Adee told incumbent Holt and Dave Gilmour (position No. 3) and incumbent Jack Walker and John Hallett (position No. 1) that the group wanted to hear opinions and suggestions rather than debate. "The League isn’t interested in proving somebody right or wrong," Adee said. "We’re interested in good government." But the event grew spirited at times as candidates discussed a variety of topics, sometimes ranging to personal attacks. Republican Holt kicked off the forum by dumping a year’s worth of old phone messages from constituents on the table. "This is not a part-time job, folks," Holt said, referring to an earlier statement made by Gilmour, his challenger. Gilmour, a Central Point city councilman and Democrat, had suggested commissioners increase the board to five members, cut pay and work part-time. Gilmour didn’t let the barb pass. During his closing remarks, Gilmour pointed at Holt’s brown paper bag full of the messages. "Unlike Ric, I don’t save my garbage," Gilmour said. "So taxpayers are garbage?" Holt shot back. During the forum, Walker and Holt urged residents to focus on their past accomplishments, while Gilmour and Hallett promised professionalism and a fresh perspective. Former Medford city councilman and small business owner Hallett said conserving farm land, providing low-income housing and protecting health services like prenatal care were top priorities. He suggested the county create a special tax district to pay for sheriff patrols in rural areas. He was openly critical of incumbents Walker and Holt, and called their efforts to attract and maintain local businesses "pathetic." "I think it’s time for a professional county commissioner with a strong backbone," said Hallett, a Democrat. Walker, a Republican, said he wants changes in state land use laws, protection for services to mentally ill, infants and seniors, and a replacement for reductions in federal timber tax receipts distributed to western Oregon counties. "To elect a new board could be dangerous," Walker said. "I believe the board of commissioners you have in place has done very well." Gilmour touted the need to preserve farm land and prevent sprawl. He said rural sheriff patrols should be financed through a properly written levy. Gilmour also suggested that a coalition of community members should help tackle budget concerns. "We need commissioners who will treat the public with respect and lead by example," Gilmour added. Holt said he would like to see the county use reserve officers to beef up patrols and said his proposal to harvest scorched timber on federal lands could fund schools and county government. Holt also blasted Gilmour for supporting the removal of Elk Creek Dam. "He wants to blow up more than a $100 million structure. That’s our future," Holt said, and added that water from the dam will be necessary in the future because, in part, Oregon borders California. "They’re after our water, folks. They are," he added. "And he wants to blow it up." Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy webmaster feedback A D V E R T I S E R S