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Election Letters, Oct. 15 By Mail Tribune readers Oct 15, 2020 08:32 AM A A ELECTION LETTER DEADLINE Because of the volume of election letters we have already received, we are setting a deadline of 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 for letters endorsing or opposing candidates or ballot measures. Election letters received after that time cannot be assured of publication. Thompson for J’ville council Three men (McClain, Cassalagio, Selbe) and one woman (Thompson) are running for three Jacksonville City Council seats. All four candidates have expertly served Jacksonville, either by serving on the council or having significant leadership roles in multiple volunteer organizations. Donna Bowen, currently the only woman on the council, will be voted in as the new mayor (uncontested race). This presents the possibility that McClain, Cassalagio and Selbe could be voted in to serve on the council, which would then consist of five elected men and no women. (A future appointment to fill Bowen’s seat could either be a man or a woman.) Per the October Jacksonville Review, all candidates are equally qualified to serve. Jacksonville citizens, please vote for Andrea Thompson, who will be an exceptional council person and ensure that gender diversity on the council is continued. RIP RBG. Dianne Helmer Jacksonville Is this our bargain? I can’t understand why Republicans continue to back Trump. He’s no patriot. He’s merely stolen our flag. He has consistently disparaged our war heroes while ignoring Russian bounties on our soldiers. He’s no fiscal conservative. Our deficit has ballooned to unprecedented levels. You pay taxes so he and his buddies don’t have to. And Trump is certainly no Christian. His photo op in front of the Episcopal Church in D.C. should have sickened every Christian on the planet. He is Nabal in 1st Samuel. He is our Barabbas from Mark 15, our Caesar from John 19. Practically the entire Book of Proverbs exhorts us to steer clear of men like him. And then there’s Matthew 4 when Satan says to Christ, “Bow down to me and all that you see will be yours.” Is that what we’ve done? Is that the bargain my fellow evangelicals have made? M. Lewis Medford Alberto for representative I am writing this letter to give my endorsement to Alberto Enriquez for state representative. In the middle of this pandemic, affordable health care is a priority for Medford families. Alberto has always supported the Affordable Care Act and the Oregon Health Plan, which covers 30% of Medford residents. Alberto is dedicated in continuing to fight for universal health care and affordable prescriptions. As citizens of Medford continue to cope with the effects of COVID-19, we should not have to cope with the stress that comes with the lack of affordable health care. Let’s vote for a candidate who will fight for our health care. Vote for Alberto Enriquez for state representative. Suzanne Foster Medford Endorsing Terrie Martin I first became acquainted with Terrie Martin almost 50 years ago when I attended Phoenix High School, and later through her dad, Dick, at D&S Harley-Davidson. And even though I rode a Honda motorcycle that annihilated every Harley bike Dick put up against me in the quarter-mile, Terrie always responded with integrity, and she respected my right to ride any motorcycle I chose. As a Jackson County commissioner, I know Terrie will perform her duties with the same integrity and respect as she works to confront the many challenges facing our county at this time. And she will always seek to better the lives of every resident of our county. So this proud owner of a 1971 Honda 750 is equally proud to endorse Terrie Martin for Jackson County commissioner. Ken Hawes Eagle Poin t Endorsing Graham We are lucky in Ashland to have such great individuals running for office and volunteering their time. Sometimes it’s hard to choose who to support, but I have known Tonya Graham for years, first while she led her children to books in the library, and lately when she worked as field coordinator for Jeff Golden’s state Senate campaign. She is smart and organized, and I admire what she accomplished so efficiently, listening to concerns, getting the volunteers into their jobs, and moving the campaign to success. Leading the Geos Institute, helping cities develop their climate plans, has given her long-reaching skills. Serving on the City Council, she has learned the ins and outs of the city. She has heard the differing views citizens in our active town have. She listens, learns and works collaboratively. Please support Tonya Graham as the next Ashland mayor. Amy Blossom Ashland Wallan’s leadership essential Amidst all the uproar and hysteria surrounding the 2020 elections, Oregon voters who value representative government have a clear mandate. Gov. Brown’s administration must be denied a super-majority in the Legislature — if at all possible. For sensible voters in Jackson County, it is therefore paramount to reelect Kim Wallan. Kim was an effective advocate for fiscal prudence and restrained government in her first term. Her continued presence in Salem is essential. Her leadership in the current climate will be invaluable. What we have seen this year from the governor is an unprecedented exercise of executive authority unchecked by the go-along Democrat-dominated Legislature. For Medford voters who are shocked by this authoritarian turn in Oregon political life, the last thing we can abide by is to send another “yes-man” vote to Salem. Please join me in wholeheartedly supporting Kim Wallan for reelection in House District 6. Michele Gibbons Medford Dotterrer for commissione r In campaigning for Jackson County commissioner, Dave Dotterrer is preparing to hit the ground running by meeting many different county staff members. He is clear-headed, reasonable, open-minded, and he has proven successful in several very different leadership roles with many different requirements. He is well-versed in the tools of conflict resolution to develop widely agreed policies through methods such as accommodation, compromise, re-framing, and trade-offs achieved through negotiation. Jackson County will be fortunate to have Dave Dotterrer as a county commissioner. Russ Chadick Ashland Long live President Bidden So, 400 million have voted before the debates happen. Must be biased people or someone who sold their mail-in ballot for a beer. Perhaps some of the 400 didn’t know Sen. Harris is abrasive and condescending, not presidential. So, old Joe, keep doing the treadmill. The treadmill exercise gives slow Joe the Bidden trot so he can reach the podium and old Joe can hang on to the sides of the podium as if doing treadmill on slow speed. President Joe Bidden has to live at least 4.25 more years. President Trump doesn’t need a second term. He made America great in 2019. Future economies will be compared to the 2019 economy. The Middle East peace treaty earned him three Nobel prize nominations. He is placing a third qualified member on the Supreme Court. He should golf, rest up and help his daughter become president in 2024. Bill Hartley Medford Support for Terrie Martin I recently had the opportunity to meet Terrie Martin, candidate for Jackson County commissioner, at a Zoom meeting. I appreciate her thoughts on public safety and the issue of needed jail space. Instead of automatically looking at a bigger jail, she understands the county needs to address the factors that lead to crime such as substance abuse and mental health issues. Terrie will advocate for alternative courts and a crisis center to reduce these factors. Terrie has lived in the Rogue Valley for 50 years, and her family business, D&S Harley-Davidson, has been a part of the valley for nearly 50 years also. She will bring a balanced perspective to the issues facing Jackson County, and she earned my vote. I encourage voters to look at her website for more information. Gail Ropel Central Point Critical Shady Cove election The upcoming election is vital to the continued improvement of Shady Cove under the leadership of Mayor Lena Richardson. I also endorse Kathy Nuckles and Hank Hohenstein, who are running for City Council. Among her accomplishments, Richardson: 1. Initiated public forums so she and the council could hear directly from the citizens for suggestions and ideas on city issues. 2. Formed a City Charter Revision Committee (the last revision was 48 years ago). She formed the Parks and Recreation and Emergency Management committees. 3. Implemented a quarterly council review of financial statements, which had not been done prior to her taking office. 4. Instrumental in contacting businesses to have them apply for grants needed during COVID-19. Another important issue is to continue Measure 15-198 for Fire District 4, passed in 2016. If this measure fails, the fire district will lose 50% of firefighters and staff. Wanda Montgomery Shady Cove Response to Oct. 1 letter I, too, am not voting for Trump! I, too, support the following: The Second Amendment, public safety, the police, the rule of law and applying all laws equally. The military, veterans, including POWs, are all heroes, not losers or suckers. The First Amendment and that women should have the same restrictions on their bodies as men. Secure borders; walls don’t ensure security. Separation of church and state, protecting all religions to worship their God and those who do not. I fly our flag proudly knowing our history is not perfect. I am voting for freedom and the pursuit of the American dream for all. Freedom from lies, name-calling, corruption, nepotism, divisiveness, incompetence, arrogance, narcissism, bullying and racism. I am voting for a man who will lead us all in this pursuit and restore the American soul. I am not voting for Trump! Bob Wallis Ashland Vote for Terrie Martin We are fortunate Terrie Martin has decided to serve Jackson County as county commissioner, and our lives will be better when she is elected. Terrie intends to concentrate on the issue of affordable housing (especially for victims of the Almeda fire) and expanding resources for mental health treatment and addiction. Emergency alert protocols and community safety are also key issues on Terrie’s list. Having been in business for a long time, then losing a business in the fire, has deepened Terrie’s commitment to our valley and restoring quality of life for all county residents. She has a vision, will listen to you and be a conscientious leader. I urge you to vote for Terrie for county commissioner. Karen Smith Ashland Healing leadership “Mountains don’t meet, but people do,” says a Swahili proverb. Here in the Rogue Valley, we live within a backbone of majestic mountains, but the real richness of our lives comes from the neighbors we treasure, support and defend. Right now, many of our neighbors are hurting from the devastation of the recent wildfires, hurting from the pandemic, and hurting from the distant leadership of the Jackson County commissioners. I am impressed with the ideas and energy of Terrie Martin, running for a seat on the three-member Jackson County Board of Commissioners. Terrie survived the Almeda fire in September only to see her family business destroyed. She believes we need more access to and accountability from our county commissioners, and she is clear about the need to meet people where they live — not from within the confines of the county offices. Paul Christy Medford Endorsing DuQuenne I have known Gina DuQuenne for the past 14 years. We’ve met the day she moved here from Los Angeles. As a colleague of mine, Gina has been a powerful part of the team that has created Neuman Hotel Group. As a former private business owner, she exudes great entrepreneurial skills, a go-getter attitude and eagerness to learn new things. Gina has been involved in many local nonprofit organizations, dedicating her time and expertise to make this part of Oregon better for everyone. She is also the founder of SOPride, focusing on equality, respect and opportunities for the LGBTQ community that she proudly represents. Gina is a loyal friend, an inspiration, a life coach who has helped so many discover their best selves. I am excited to see Gina run for the office. I have no doubt her passion, drive and determination will help Ashland reach new heights. Karolina Lavagnino, director of sales and marketing, Neuman Hotel Group Ashland Alberto Enriquez for Medford I fully support Alberto Enriquez for state representative. His opponent, Kim Wallan, walked off the job and walked out on Medford. Her campaign has received thousands of dollars from tobacco companies. She has taken tens of thousands in donations from out-of-state companies including Koch Brothers, fossil fuel companies, and pharmaceutical groups that knowingly worsened the opiate epidemic. Alternatively, Alberto Enriquez has pledged not to accept money from corporate super PACs. He will go to Salem to help people, not corporations. Our community can’t afford to reelect a representative who hides in order to help giant corporations while the people of Oregon are hurting. Please join me in voting for Alberto Enriquez for House District 6. Alberto won’t walk out on Medford. Michelle Blum Atkinson Medford Supporting Sparacino It is with great pleasure and honor to offer my full support behind Randy Sparacino for Medford mayor. I had the opportunity to see Randy progress through the ranks of the Medford Police Department with his final position as chief. During this time, he displayed professionalism, dedication and caring to those he worked with and “us,” the citizens of Medford. I expect no less from Randy as our mayor. Medford faces many challenges ahead, and I for one cannot think of anyone more suited to the job. Greg Jones, former city councilor Medford Martin for commissioner Terrie Martin for Jackson County commissioner! Having been legal counsel for over 20 years for a number of local governments in Southern Oregon, I can say confidently that Martin stands above as a candidate for Jackson County commissioner given her focus on the important issues and her comprehension of county concerns. County government, like a large business, runs best by trustworthy people who know and have lived the issues, and who will listen, competently communicate, and will act decisively. Terrie Martin is grounded with a deep family history in our community. She has experience as a proven and exceptional journalist. She is very intelligent, so it should be no surprise that all this has made Martin a very successful businesswoman and clearly makes her the best suited as our county commissioner. Terrie Martin is my choice for county commissioner, I hope she’s yours. Vote for Terrie Martin! Douglas M, McGeary, attorney at law Medford Dotterrer for commissioner Dave Dotterrer has been a personal friend of mine for many years. As a Marine colonel assigned as the military assistant to the Secretary of the Navy in the Department of Defense, Dave worked collegially with the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Department of State, defense contractors and others. Rather than trying to impose some ideology, he proved to be a team player, often in difficult and uncertain circumstances on problems with no clear pathway to resolution. He worked collaboratively with others to find practical solutions to serious, complex problems. Due to his skill and knowledge in dealing with complicated issues and coordinating responses across multiple government entities, the private sector and nonprofits, we all will benefit by electing Dave Dotterrer as Jackson County commissioner. Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Kevin McDermott Medford Ashland needs Graham Tonya Graham must be our next mayor. A recent letter, warning about the clique of ACES candidates running for our City Council, had it right: Real fiscal responsibility consists, not of promising to cut public spending no matter what the circumstances, but of using public resources wisely to meet public needs. Unlike her opponent, Tonya does her homework, attends every meeting, and brings people of diverse views together to create solutions. In the midst of the current devastation to our community, we need all ideas on the table as our leaders map a way forward. It would be absurd to elect a mayor and council members who have handcuffed themselves by insisting on budget cuts before considering any additional spending in these perilous times. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best, “a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.” Vote for Tonya Graham, an independent problem-solver for Ashland mayor. Susan Stitham Ashland Ashland’s worth saving Ashland can avoid becoming another playground for the rich, another Carmel or Aspen. But not if we force lower-income people out with the high costs of a bloated city government. We need Shaun Moran on Ashland’s City Council. Look at our home’s water charge for September. We paid $66.05. That’s triple Medford’s $22.68 for the same 8,168 gallons. Ashland’s lower-income residents can’t afford an extra $500 a year for water — let alone increases our council has added year after year. Shaun had a career in finance. He’s served on the city’s Budget Committee for five years, suggesting cost savings but mostly being ignored by the council. He’s been a board member for the food bank and served on the school budget committee. He’s got three kids in school, so he knows the challenges parents face. Join me in voting for Shaun Moran. Allen Baker Ashland Dotterrer has right qualities When deciding who to vote for at every level of government, it always is important to look not just at party labels, but also at important individual qualities. Among the 2020 crop, one candidate for county commissioner, Dave Dotterrer, has a long history of reaching out beyond his own party to develop what have been called trans-partisan solutions to concerns as distinct from one another as disaster response and education in the face of the current pandemic. In other words, it is a fundamental personal characteristic, and a desirable one as well. Dave Dealey Medford Martin for commissioner I’ve known Terrie Martin for more than 30 years, and have worked alongside her as a journalist, a college instructor and a historian. She is the most capable and caring person to run for Jackson County commissioner since Hank Henry and Sue Kupillas were in office. Terrie has devoted her life to the Rogue Valley and its people. She is a capable businesswoman, a mother of two incredible children, and a good and loyal friend. She knows the many social and financial issues facing us as we move into a challenging future. She also knowns it’s time to replace the do-nothing commissioners now in office. Please join me and thousands of others in voting for Terrie Martin. John Enders Talent Webletters Graphic.jpg