Document text
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 Home News Latest Stories The Greenery awaits its day in court MPD crosswalk sting leads to several tickets Firefighting will close part of Lost Creek Lake over Labor Day weekend Long-awaited roundabout set to open Grants Pass man arraigned on charges related to fatal DUII crash Crime, Courts and Emergency Services MPD crosswalk sting leads to several tickets Firefighting will close part of Lost Creek Lake over Labor Day weekend Grants Pass man arraigned on charges related to fatal DUII crash Saturation patrols planned this weekend Emergency Services Politics and Elections Gold Hill mayor faces challenger; other races have one candidate each Medford proposes new rules for pawn shops to help nab thieves Lack of incumbents, pot issue draws 10 for Medford council races Council members in Gold Hill dodge voter recall Bill Pullman campaigns for Oregon GMO labeling law Education RCC program helps prepare Latinos for college SOU launches leadership degree program Medford charter school opens with many changes, including its name Superintendent welcomes staff to a new school year Safe haven: Art program provides a place for youth to express themselves Environment Judge won't block release of water Ashland marchers won't give up on climate change message OR-7 could be recollared next month Deadly deer virus may be spreading Talent earns Bee City USA designation State news Nation - World Obituaries Ted E. Dawson Irene Margaret Vicki Lynn Kemmerer Richard Westergard Gordon Lee Monroe Weather Photo Galleries Since You Asked Videos Web Cams Mail Tribune 100 Sports Latest Stories Raiders stroll to two wins at Merced Allred moves up at Hotel Fitness Hope prevails against Southern Oregon, 3-0 49ers linebacker Smith suspended 9 games No. 22 Raiders ready for first test at Menlo Varsity 541 College Sports Raiders stroll to two wins at Merced Hope prevails against Southern Oregon, 3-0 No. 22 Raiders ready for first test at Menlo South Dakota is realistic about facing No. 3 Ducks Beavers look to avoid another opening misstep Pro Sports Allred moves up at Hotel Fitness 49ers linebacker Smith suspended 9 games Carr drives Raiders past Seahawks FedEx Cup: Where a week can change everything No touching Community Sports Crenshaw pulls off upset in SOGC Murphy claims victory in Stroke Play Championships South Korea downs Chicago for World Series title Results / Standings Second season a success for Rogues Business Latest Stories Earlier than normal pear harvest coming up short of expectations Blog: Who Loves Coffee? We Do! People in Business New Mercedes-Benz dealer is luxury car fan Brammo plans to keep jobs in Rogue Valley Real Estate News Median residential housing prices rise 10.7 percent, but may begin to level out People In Business Transportation Agriculture Earlier than normal pear harvest coming up short of expectations Weisinger's Winery has earliest crush on record Amy's Kitchen begins expansion in White City Opinion Latest Letters to the Editor, Aug. 29 Michael Gerson: The importance of history Other views: OLCC operates with little oversight Matthew T. Mangino: Violent crime was rampant not too long ago Letters to the Editor, Aug. 28 Editorials Other views: OLCC operates with little oversight Our View: A vote for common sense in Gold Hill Our View: It's not the gear; it's how the gear is used Other Views: NCAA must maintain academic integrity Our View: Marijuana sales — a taxing problem Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, Aug. 29 Letters to the Editor, Aug. 28 Letters to the Editor, Aug. 27 Letters to the Editor, Aug. 26 Letters to the Editor, Aug. 25 Guest Opinions The summer of my discontent: An open letter to Bill Rauch The power of local philanthropy Who I am and why I want to serve on the City Council Lifestyle Latest stories Youth pheasant hunt sign-ups now available New Arrivals Engagements Wedding: Ivanov-Leftin Community blog: It happened again... Food What does 'natural' really mean? Fielding labels in search for a good egg The focus is on hospitality at Jaxon Vineyards Community blog: Silky stew or quick saute is summer's symphony Community blog: Onion pickles can wait for home-canning lull Home and Garden An August checklist for your garden Green Scene: Diagnosing common tomato troubles Lawn talk Tips for keeping backyard birds cool this summer Bath time for the birds: You can help them stay cool and clean Health Community blog: It happened again... Community blog: What the Brain Isn't - Mind or Love Community blog: The Unfriendly Skies (continued) Healthy Aging: Iron girls galore Community blog:Here�s How To Leave Despair For Resilience Hiking Faith Religion briefs Religion briefs Community Blog: Is Peace Possible in the Middle East - Part three of four Religion briefs Community Blog: Is Peace Possible in the Middle East part 2 Milestones and Achievements New Arrivals Engagements Wedding: Ivanov-Leftin New Arrivals Shayla Brooke Grether and Jesse Levi Tanner Columnist for a Day Healthy Aging Tempo Latest stories Bill Maher at Britt Festivals From business professor to artist Gypsy Soul performs at EdenVale Winery The Jeff Stanley Trio at Lounge South Alan Berman Trio at the Imperial Theater OSF presents 'The Alchemy of Gender' Randall Theatre extends 'Godspell' 'Pump Boys & Dinettes' opens at Camelot Theatre Film festival kicks off annual 'Daedalus Project' Review: The joy of 'Godspell' is infectious Music Brent Norton: A Rogue Valley Experience Bill Maher at Britt Festivals Gypsy Soul performs at EdenVale Winery The Jeff Stanley Trio at Lounge South Alan Berman Trio at the Imperial Community Events 5 Things to Do This Weekend From business professor to artist Shady Cove Tie Days Swap Meet 'Prints From the Plateau' at the Rogue Gallery Nature Walks in Lithia Park Dining Wild River Brewing & Pizza Co. NW Raw Kelly's Crepes Basil & Berries India Palace Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obituaries TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Magazines & Special Sections NEWS NOW Firefighting will close part of Lost Creek Lake over Labor Day weekend ... Saturation patrols planned this weekend ... Wind shifts should rid Rogue Valley of smoke ... Firefighting will close part of Lost Creek Lake over Labor Day weekend ... Saturation patrols planned this weekend ... Wind shifts should rid Rogue Valley of smoke ... 2014 ELECTION Lack of incumbents, pot issue draws 10 for Medford council races An exodus of incumbents from the City Council and the controversy over medical marijuana has helped attract 10 candidates for three open seats in the Nov. 4 election. By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 26, 2014 @ 6:36 pm Updated Aug 27, 2014 at 12:11 AM By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 26, 2014 @ 6:36 pm Updated Aug 27, 2014 at 12:11 AM --> Ward 1: incumbent Tim Jackle, running unopposed Ward 2 (formerly held by the late Karen Blair): Marlene Nuckols, Clay Bearnson and Tim D’Alessandro Ward 3 (John Michael... » Read more X Ward 1: incumbent Tim Jackle, running unopposed Ward 2 (formerly held by the late Karen Blair): Marlene Nuckols, Clay Bearnson and Tim D’Alessandro Ward 3 (John Michaels won’t be running for reelection): Kevin Stine, Don Libby, and Travis Hardey Ward 4 (Bob Strosser won’t be running for reelection): Michael Zarosinski, Andrew Watson, George Schroeder, Donna Lane » Social News An exodus of incumbents from the Medford City Council and the controversy over medical marijuana has helped attract 10 candidates for three open seats in the Nov. 4 election. Also, the current City Council’s stance in opposition to medical marijuana dispensaries has drawn out a few candidates who want the city to have a more welcoming attitude toward pot. City Recorder Glenda Wilson said the City Council and articles by the local media have helped generate interest from residents, making this the largest turnout of candidates in recent memory. “I think not having the incumbents is huge,” she said. Councilors Bob Strosser and John Michaels, representing Ward 4 and Ward 3 respectively, both recently announced they won’t seek re-election. The late Karen Blair seat in Ward 2 is also open. Incumbent Tim Jackle is running unopposed in Ward 1. The council had hoped that more women candidates would file to run in the election, particularly after the loss of Karen Blair, who died June 11 from lung cancer. WARD 2 Running for Blair's seat is Marlene Nuckols, Clay Bearnson and Tim D’Alessandro. Nuckols, 43, is the owner of MaryJane’s Basement and Attic, which formerly dispensed medical marijuana until the city shut the business down after declaring a moratorium on pot. Nuckols has reopened a portion of her store that sells clothing, jewelry and other items but no marijuana products. Apart from her difference of opinion with the council over medical marijuana, Nuckols said she generally likes the direction the city is headed. “I like the fact, especially in my ward, that they are fixing the streets and installing sidewalks,” she said. Clay Bearnson has said in the past he supports allowing dispensaries in the city, and he, like Nuckols, has a medical marijuana card. Bearnson, owner of the Gypsy Blues Bar, is chairman of the Medford Arts Commission and is a member of the Medford Parking Commission. He ran against Councilor Eli Matthews in 2012. He could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday. Tim D’Alessandro, 56, said he doesn’t support lifting the moratorium on marijuana in Medford. “I don’t think the council should move forward with loosening of those regulations,” he said. D’Alessandro said he would wait until the federal government changes federal law before considering that the city possibly soften its stance. An operations manager at Rogue Valley Transportation District, D'Alessandro said he has participated in many local organizations, including local Little League. From what he can see, D’Alessandro thinks the City Council has been on the right track. “There are a lot of good people on the council,” he said. He said he would like to put more effort into making the local economy, and particularly the downtown economy, thrive. WARD 4 This ward has attracted the most candidates and the only other woman candidate, Donna Lane. The others are George Schroeder, Andrew Watson and Michael Zarosinski. None supports softening the city’s stance on marijuana. Lane, 51, has been an associate professor of business at Southern Oregon University and faculty adviser for the SOU Business Club. “My big concern is what’s happening to the businesses downtown,” she said. Originally from Texas, Lane went to school at SOU and is big on education and big on business. Lane said that after reviewing the minutes over the past year, she thinks the council made the right decision in creating a moratorium on pot dispensaries. “I’m in favor of that,” she said. She said she’s still trying to figure out what’s going on with Hawthorne Park and the homeless issue. From her conversations with locals, she said people really care about the community locally. “It really is about how can I use my assets and experience and give back to the community,” she said. Schroeder, a 61-year-old businessman who has been on the Parking Commission since 1998, said he has a high regard for the City Council and the city manager’s office. He said he has worked with the city on many issues over the years, including as a member of the Medford Urban Renewal Agency budget committee. Schroeder said he’s in agreement with the council on most issues, citing the city’s strong stance in supporting law enforcement. “I know the town pretty well, and I’m a team player," he said. “That’s not to say I’m a pushover. That’s not to say I’d vote for everything they’d vote for.” Schroeder said he does have one issue that’s of concern to him that he’d like the city to get behind. He’d like the city to have an aquatics center, possibly in Hawthorne Park, which would be across the street from the senior center. “Aquatics is very therapeutic for seniors,” he said. Zarosinski, a 42-year-old civil engineer who has been on the Planning Commission for three years, said his primary interest is stimulating the economy of Medford. “I don’t have anything I’m trying to fix or anything that has made me mad,” he said. “I think the council has done a pretty good job.” Zarosinski said his work on the Planning Commission has brought him face to face with controversial issues. He said he has viewed firsthand how the council has dealt with issues such as the dangerous dog ordinance that was resolved by including local residents in the process. On medical marijuana, Zarosinski said he would like the federal government to create a pharmacy system to deal with its distribution rather than the systems being set up in various states. “From the city standpoint, we will have to have some kind of tax to mitigate the impacts, including to law enforcement,” he said. Zarosinski said his major concern on the City Council will be to stimulate the local economy. Andrew Watson could not be reached for comment Tuesday. WARD 3 Ward 3's candidates are Travis Hardey, Don Libby and Kevin Stine. Stine, 28, said he doesn’t think the city gets out in front of issues but rather reacts to situations after they develop. “We don’t see the issue blossom,” he said. The city didn’t plan well to deal with the closing of Hawthorne pool in Hawthorne Park, and the potential closing of Jackson pool, he said. In his travels around west Medford, Stine said the biggest issue for local residents is livability, including dealing with boarded-up houses and a transient population. He said he would like to see more done about the homeless issue in Medford. “What we’re doing now is not doing anything,” he said. Stine said he doesn’t think the city has taken the right stance on the marijuana issue. “If you’re a state’s rights advocate, you follow state law,” he said. The federal government has given notice that as long as state laws regarding marijuana are followed it will not be prosecuting. Hardey supports the city’s stance on marijuana, though he does acknowledge that society appears to be undergoing a social experiment with the drug. “It may work, and it may not,” he said. Hardey, 35, said that he hopes his four young children find enough opportunities to want to stay in Medford. “There’s not a lot of draw to bring people back,” he said. “We’ve got a huge brain drain. If it doesn’t change, we’re going to be a ghost town.” Medford continues to grow but hasn’t attracted sufficient resources to offset higher crime rates and some of the other problems affecting urban areas, Hardey said. The area hasn’t fully evolved from a logging economy either, he said. The city needs to attract more businesses that have professional-level jobs. Hardey said he would like to see more family businesses started in the area. He currently works at Hardey Engineering in Medford, started by his father in 1981. Libby, 31, who works for a local security company, said he was motivated to run because of issues on which he didn’t agree with the city. He said the City Council should have asked voters to approve spending money on new police and fire stations rather than adding onto everyone’s utility bill. “I think really big projects like that should be passed on to the voters,” he said. Libby said he doesn’t like the way the city threatens local property owners with eminent domain to accomplish a project. He also doesn’t support the city’s ban on medical marijuana dispensaries. “I believe recreational use of marijuana should be legal,” he said. Libby said he is also prepared to address concerns related to charges that were cleared against him that he was impersonating a police officer last year. The case went to trial but a jury found him not guilty. Charges were dropped against his brother, Jason Libby. “I know that might be an uphill battle for me,” he said. “I’m prepared for that.” Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected]. Follow on Twitter at @reporterdm. By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 26, 2014 @ 6:36 pm Updated Aug 27, 2014 at 12:11 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. 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 Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs 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 2014 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