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61 °F Forecast | Road Cams Saturday, May 8, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend April 13, 2004 Kupillas says Densmore lacks experience Commissioner race heats up as Densmore counters with criticism of Kupillas’ record By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune They may share a first name and party affiliation, but County Commissioner Sue Kupillas and challenger Sue Densmore say that’s about all they have in common. Kupillas said she hasn’t heard anything of substance from her opponent, doesn’t know where she stands on the issues and questioned her ability to be a commissioner. Densmore, meanwhile, said she has an extensive background in government — and questioned whether Kupillas and other commissioners have acted in the best interest of Jackson County on issues such as the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and air quality. The Democrats will face off this week as a series of candidate forums starts in preparation for the May 18 primary election. Ballots go to voters April 30. Kupillas said she’s always acted in constituents’ best interests and said voters in Jackson County know where she stands on issues. "The big difference is that she (Densmore) has no voting record or governmental experience," said Kupillas, who is seeking her fifth term as a commissioner. Advertisement "I’ve probably made every single voter in Jackson County mad about one decision or another," she said. "I continue to get re-elected in spite of that." Kupillas said the other difference between her and Densmore is that she has a solid record of achievements, from helping to keep open the former Department of Veterans Affairs Domiciliary to the creation of jobs as part of the White City urban renewal project. "My record is there for everyone to see," she said. Prior to becoming commissioner, Kupillas said she served nine years on a school board and has also been on statewide committees. Densmore, meanwhile, cited a long history of service, including time on the Rogue Valley Transportation District board and the Bear Creek Greenway committee, and helping start urban renewal in Medford. She worked as a lobbyist for American Medical Response, an ambulance provider, during the last legislative session and currently serves as a community planner helping rebuild the infrastructure in downtown Gold Hill. "I feel more than qualified to become a county commissioner," she said. Densmore said she is strongly opposed to Kupillas’ and other commissioners’ stance on many issues, including the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument east of Ashland. "They need to turn to county goals rather than other agendas," she said. She said that in discussions about the monument, commissioners didn’t listen to the public but worked behind the scenes. "There was an increasing tendency to keep discussion out of public view," she said. "There was a lot of discussion behind closed doors." She also criticized Kupillas’ stand on air-quality issues. "Sue has put together a proposal that would loosen restrictions and make our air dirtier," she said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times