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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 Oregon lawmakers seek to avert corporate tax ballotmeasure ... Ashland schools superintendent announces resignation ... Linn County officials oppose Douglas fir monument proposal ... Oregon lawmakers seek to avert corporate tax ballotmeasure ... Ashland schools superintendent announces resignation ... Linn County officials oppose Douglas fir monument proposal ... OUR VIEW Our View: Cheers to Holly grants, jeers to disruption Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Feb. 26, 2016 at 12:01 AM Posted Feb. 26, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News Cheers — to two major contributions to the Holly Theatre restoration project: Local philanthropist and performing arts supporter James Collier has given a six-figure gift to underwrite a new elevator for the 1930 theater, and the Oregon Legislature appears ready to contribute a $1 million grant to the project after the Capital Construction Subcommittee voted unanimously to approve the request. Credit to Medford state Rep. Sal Esquivel for pushing for the funding and other local legislators for adding their support. When restoration is complete, the historic Holly Theatre will be the largest performing arts venue in Southern Oregon with seating for about 1,000. Jeers — to demonstrators who disrupted the proceedings of the Legislature during a debate over increasing the state minimum wage. Supporters of a $15 minimum statewide — which was not under consideration — were removed from the House gallery two weeks ago when they began shouting and unfurled banners. The group later pounded on the outside walls of the House chamber, causing the doors to be locked and delaying the proceedings inside. In the Senate chamber, demonstrators disrupted a solemn memorial for the late Sen. Brady Adams, R-Grants Pass, a former Senate president. Adams' family had been invited to the chamber for the remembrance and were treated to this lack of class by the protesters. Advocating for legislation you support is one thing. Making a scene and disrupting the business of the Legislature is unacceptable and won't win any converts to your cause. Cheers — to Jackson County government for receiving top marks in the annual financial audit required of local governments. The auditing firm went beyond the dollars and cents and praised the county's financial management, saying that county officials have been able to keep costs down while maintaining roads, bridges and other assets. An auditor noted the county is in much better shape than many others and that it pays for needed projects with cash rather than incurring debt. The credit goes to a long line of fiscally responsible commissioners and administrators, including current County Administrator Danny Jordan. Jeers — to lawmakers who apparently have decided that voting by mail and automatically registering everyone in the DMV database still leaves too many obstacles in the way of Oregon voters. A bill before the Legislature would return postage for any voter who mails in a ballot. Never mind the fact that ballots can be dropped off in person for free, or that a 49-cent stamp is unlikely to deter anyone who wants to vote. The measure would cost the state an estimated $1.84 million. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Feb. 26, 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