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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Higher water brings more boating obstacles ... Rob Patridge among 3 finalists for Medford city manager ... Medford pot grow bans will go to voters ... Higher water brings more boating obstacles ... Rob Patridge among 3 finalists for Medford city manager ... Medford pot grow bans will go to voters ... OUR VIEW Our View: Election showed voters in a thoughtful mood Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted May. 19, 2016 at 12:01 AM Posted May. 19, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News Jackson County voters demonstrated civic responsibility and even generosity Tuesday in approving tax measures to benefit Rogue Community College and the Rogue Valley Transportation District. And Republican voters delivered a clear message in favoring both challengers over embattled County Commissioner Doug Breidenthal. The tax measures drew the usual criticism about overburdened homeowners being asked to pay for services they don't use. But voters not only approved the requests, they did so in resounding fashion, especially in the case of bus service, which won 61 percent to 38 percent. The results make it clear voters were paying attention to the campaigns, and they understood both the RCC bonds and the RVTD operating levy will be good for the community in tangible ways. The RVTD levy will restore Saturday service and add routes in addition to preventing cutbacks in service. While many residents never take the bus, 1.3 million riders do every year. Seniors, the disabled and students rely on the bus to reach community services and college classes. RCC will use its approved levy to pay for bonds that will finance new and remodeled buildings in Medford, White City and Grants Pass for health care, technology manufacturing, fire science, EMT training and computer science courses, all of which teach skills that are in demand in the local job market. Both levies are very affordable. RVTD's levy will cost property owners 13 cents per $1,000 assessed value, or about $26 a year on a home assessed at $200,000, and the RCC bond measure will cost just 5 cents per $1,000 — $10 a year on a home assessed at $200,000. Those modest amounts probably contributed to the success of the campaigns. But voters also clearly understood that a healthy transit system contributes to the local economy and helps those of limited means get to work and to medical appointments, while offering an alternative to more automobile traffic. And supporting RCC's mission of providing affordable training in marketable job skills helps local students prepare to compete for well-paying jobs. The outcome of the Republican primary for county commissioner indicated voters were dissatisfied with incumbent Doug Breidenthal, leaving him in third place behind former Medford City Council member Bob Strosser and building contractor Gordon Challstrom. Breidenthal faces an ethics investigation, and has been criticized for his extensive travel while in office. Voters clearly decided it was time for a change. MailTribune.com Writer Posted May. 19, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501