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Strosser, Thomas compete for Jackson County commissioner Jeff Thomas, left, Bob Strosser Sunday Oct 16, 2016 at 12:01 AM Here are the two candidates for Jackson County commissioner. Ballots go out Friday, Oct. 21, and are due back to the Jackson County Elections Office by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8. Bob Strosser Age: 71 Party: Republican Residence: Medford Occupation: Realtor, retired police officer Education: Pepperdine University, Bachelor of Science in public management Political experience: Medford City Council, Regional Rate Committee, Medford Water Commission, Veterans Committee, League of Oregon Cities board, Local Officials Advisory Committee to the Department of Land Conservation and Development/Legal Action Committee, State Interoperability Executive Council Top priorities: 1) A fiscally sound, efficient and responsive county government for Jackson County residents. Focus/plan and communicate on challenges that need attention, such as PERS funding, infrastructure maintenance, public safety and mental health staffing resources facilitating public and private resources to collaboratively deal with both addiction and instability needs affecting our county. 2) Economic development /land use — attract and retain existing family-wage employers that fit with our environment. Support education/trained work force, leverage our SOREDI, Angel Network and Sustainable Valley Tech Group efforts to bring family-wage jobs to enable us/our children to stay and not have to leave for employment. Jeff Thomas Age: 48 Party: Democrat Residence: Medford Occupation: Business owner Education: Bachelor of Science degree Political experience: Current Medford School Board director, with five years in leadership on the board (four as chair, one as vice-chair) Top priorities: 1) Tackling the issue of available and affordable housing. Without solving this crisis, we cannot expect to effectively grow, retain and attract new businesses to Jackson County. Economic development is always going to be the primary focus for a Jackson County commissioner. We will continue to stagnate in Jackson County until we find solutions to this crisis. 2) Development. I believe that Jackson County should protect agricultural lands and family farms by questioning development that encroaches on our farmland, especially in the areas of mutual concern that surround cities.