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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend November 2, 2005 Local Republican chief quits over ‘deceptions’ She criticizes network of ‘good old boys,’ plans to run for Gilmour’s county commission slot By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune Accusing the local Republican Party of being controlled by a "good-old-boys network," Diane Davidson has resigned as chairwoman of the Jackson County Republican Central Committee. "It’s the deception," she said. "It’s the deceptive ways, and I’m not tolerating it anymore." Davidson said she will run as an independent for the seat now held by Dave Gilmour, a Democrat and her personal doctor. She exempted Gilmour from the "network" but was critical of the two other commissioners, Jack Walker and C.W. Smith. "I just believe that they are too tied to the good-old-boy mentality," said Davidson, 59, who ran for county commissioner in 2002. Walker denied Davidson’s accusations and said she broke from the Republicans partly because she lacked the support needed for her candidacy. Advertisement Davidson declined to specify what sort of deceptive tactics she referred to, or to name the persons behind it. "It’s not about personal vengeance," she said. "It’s about personal representation." She said she believes many land-use decisions in the county are being based on "you pat my back, I’ll pat your back" agreements. Although she isn’t running as a Republican, Davidson said she still supports the party’s ideals. "I am trusting that people who know me, know what I represent." She said that it’s time for the county to move beyond the "good-old-boy network" and embrace a more community-oriented spirit. Walker disputed Davidson’s criticism of the local Republican Party. "I think the Republican Party has been more diverse than the Democratic Party," said Walker, who is being challenged in the race by Central Point resident Curt Chancler. Chancler also recently left the party and will be running as a non-affiliated candidate. Walker said he didn’t belong to any "good-old-boys network." "Everybody needs to judge me on what I’ve done," he said. Walker believes Davidson did not get enough assurance from Republican leaders that they would throw all their support behind her. He noted, however, that during the primary the party steers clear of endorsing any particular Republican candidate. While he thinks Davidson has a right to run in any election she chooses no matter what her party affiliation, Walker said, "If you’re going to have a chance to win a seat in this county, you have to be either a Republican or Democrat." County Clerk Kathy Beckett said that in the 22 years she’s worked in Jackson County, no independent has won a commissioner’s seat. Bryan Platt, interim chairman of the local Republican Central Committee, said he didn’t think the party in Jackson County was being controlled by "good old boys." "No, I don’t go along with that at all," he said. Platt said he expected at least one Republican will come forward to challenge Gilmour for his seat. Davidson said if elected, she would work toward making the commissioners non-partisan positions and push for five members rather than three. She criticized both Gilmour and Walker for not being able to devote themselves fully to their jobs. "The only problem with Dave is that that is not a part-time job," she said. "The other one (Walker) is almost 70 years old and very, very ill. He is not able to carry the load." The 65-year-old Walker, who had to take time off this year to recover from surgery for Crohn’s disease, said he has fully recovered and is energized by the upcoming campaign. Gilmour, who will be seeking a second term, said he spends 70 to 80 hours a week between his job as commissioner and as a doctor. "I haven’t taken a vacation in four years," he said. Although Gilmour got off to a bumpy start as commissioner, he said his attendance record at meetings and other county events would compare favorably with his two colleagues. He said the only time he misses a meeting is when he has a conflict with another meeting. Gilmour said he relies heavily on e-mail to keep in touch with his constituents. "I think we can put to rest the whole idea of a part-time, full-time job," he said. Gilmour said he isn’t privy to whether the Republican Party locally is controlled by a "good-old-boy network," but quipped, "I vehemently deny being part of the old-boy network." Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail Local Republican chief quits over �deceptions� ">[email protected] . 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