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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend September 29, 2006 Sheriff's employees endorse Tim George By Chris Conrad Mail Tribune In a reversal from 2002's general election, Sheriff Mike Winters has lost support of union employees, who voted to endorse his contender from the Medford Police Department in the race for sheriff. The Jackson County Sheriff's Employees Association (JCSEA) voted Thursday 54 to 36 in favor of Medford Police Lt. Tim George. The vote came nearly a week after the union won an arbitration ruling awarding sheriff's employees a new contract that includes a 3.5 percent increase in pay for all positions and better insurance benefits. The arbitration reflected the union's last best offer. The two sides have been deadlocked since June 30, 2005, which was when the previous contract expired. JCSEA officials argued that Jackson County sheriff's employee pay lags behind that of workers in Oregon counties of similar size and population. In addition, the department's five sheriff's detectives will see an additional 5 percent increase in pay. Police dog handlers will also receive a raise. The contract will run through June 30, 2008. Winters did not return phone calls asking for comment. It is unknown how the new contract will affect the department's latest budget. Advertisement This is a jarring turn of events considering Winters was approached before the last election by several union members urging him to run. In fact, at the time, sheriff hopeful Ed Mayer warned voters the union's recruiting of Winters was self-serving. JCSEA President Russ Beane did not return phone calls requesting comment. JCSEA Vice President Randy Pollard refused to discuss Thursday's vote. George said he was "honored and appreciative" of the endorsement. "It would be an uphill battle for me if the people who make this ship run didn't want me to steer it," he said. George debated Winters in late July at the Medford library in a forum staged by JCSEA. He said he has since spoken with union officials, presenting them with his views and what he hopes to accomplish should he become sheriff. Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com