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By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune October 18. 2014 12:01AM Commissioner's race: Dyer wants to attract high-tech jobs Rick Dyer Rick Dyer says the county needs to work harder to improve the economy and increase the number of jobs in the area. "We need to have a stronger, more focused approach to create an environment where businesses can thrive, expand and hire," he said. A Republican, Dyer is owner of Medford-based Northwest Energy Solutions, which specializes in improving energy efficiency, especially through home and business window replacement. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting from Southern Oregon University and is licensed to practice law in California. Dyer said the county should do more to attract new businesses, especially those in the high-tech sector. He noted high-tech jobs pay more than the median income in the area, frequently offering at least one-and-a-half to two times the median pay here. "If they see what we have to offer, we can bring those types of businesses in to create more jobs," he said. "In this area, we've had a slow and tepid recovery." Dyer said the county should also support businesses that are already here. "It's important to focus not just on attracting new businesses, but to help the businesses that are here succeed, expand and hire," he said. Dyer said the area can capitalize on its status as a regional hub to promote sports tourism. "We should attract activities and events that bring people in. That has a positive economic impact for our valley," he said. Dyer said he would also focus on public safety if elected to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners. Drugs and crime have damaged the county, he said. "We need to make sure residents feel we have safe streets, homes and schools," he said. On the issue of marijuana, Dyer echoed other candidates' predictions that Oregon voters will approve a measure on Nov. 4 legalizing recreational use of the drug. "If it does pass, we should use it as an opportunity to close loopholes and abuses in the medical marijuana system," he said. "It's too easy for marijuana to end up in the hands of kids. Cartels are also creating problems." Dyer said he is preparing himself to deal with the consequences of legalization of recreational marijuana. "Tax revenue can be used to fund better education, rehabilitation and treatment for all drug abuse. My hope is people can recover and become happy, productive members of society," he said. Rick Dyer RICK DYERTown: Medford Age: 50Occupation: Owner, Northwest Energy SolutionsEducation: Juris doctor law degree, bachelor's degree in business administration/accountingPrior government experience: Rogue Valley Transportation District board http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20141018/NEWS/141019652 © 2015 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->