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55 °F Forecast | Road Cams Friday, September 10, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Prime Times Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend May 1, 2004 A yard on Ashland's East Main Street sports signs for both Democratic candidates for state House Dist. 5, Judy Uherbelau and Peter Buckley, demonstrating how Ashlanders are having a hard time choosing between the two. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Demos face tough choice in Dist. 5 Legislative candidates Peter Buckley and Judy Uherbelau aren’t exactly on opposite ends of the spectrum By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune On Bill Danley’s front lawn is a Peter Buckley campaign sign with the words "We still love you Judy" written on the bottom. Danley, a retired Southern Oregon University professor, is like many Ashlanders who have had a difficult time choosing between two of their fellow residents running for state House District 5. Buckley and Judy Uherbelau, both progressive Democrats, are running in the May 18 primary, and the winner will take on Ashland Republican Joanna Lofaso in November. Ballots for the primary were sent out Friday. Danley feels a little guilty about his decision, particularly since he considers himself a friend of Uherbelau. "I don’t know what I’ll say to her when I see her on the street," he said. "I’m even thinking of sending her a campaign contribution." What clinched Danley’s decision is his belief that Buckley knows the issues and will help heal many of the old antagonisms that have caused problems in the Legislature. Advertisement "I think Peter has the potential of being bipartisan on the issues," he said. Susan Reid, a former City Council member who served for 20 years, agreed that many residents have had a difficult time choosing, including many husbands and wives. "There are so many lawns with both signs on them," she said. An Uherbelau supporter, Reid appreciates Buckley’s efforts in opposing the war in Iraq and President Bush’s stance on the war. "Peter is good at striking this new democratic feeling," she said. But she faults him for not having the knowledge of state politics that will be needed if the Legislature is ever going to become more effective. At a recent candidate’s forum, she said, "He seemed very confused when asked questions about the state Legislature. He acted like he was playing off Judy’s responses." Buckley acknowledges it has been a difficult choice for many of his fellow Ashlanders. "Some people say they know Judy and say, ‘You’re new to me.’" He also agrees that he and Uherbelau bring different strengths to the job. "You’ve got Judy’s experience, and you’ve got my energy," said Buckley. "I think as far as rebuilding the Democratic Party, I’m a better candidate." If he lost, Buckley said, "I would not be personally devastated by it. I think I would definitely support Judy." Uherbelau, who also indicated she would support Buckley if he won the primary, said she understands the difficulty faced by many local residents in choosing between Buckley and herself. It was particularly difficult for those who gave Buckley their support before Uherbelau decided to enter the race. "Some people said Peter could put signs up before I decided to run, then when I ran they also put up my signs," she said. Uherbelau took issue with her opponent’s claim that he had more energy than she. "I work 10-, 12-hour days," she said. Uherbelau cited her experience in the Legislature as being a benefit to residents of Jackson County, particularly with the many local legislators deciding not to run again. Many residents might be vacillating between the candidates, but others haven’t heard of them. At the Shrew’s House Bed and Breakfast in Ashland, there are three campaign signs in the front yard. "Somebody just stuck them in our front yard without asking," said Frank Dennen, who runs the inn with his wife, Barbara Simard. "They just popped up overnight." But after double-checking, Dennen, a Republican, shrugged his shoulders and said his wife, an "L.D." (liberal Democrat), had authorized the signs. "We don’t talk about politics," he said. Ron Roth, co-owner of Geppetto’s Restaurant, explained that many Ashlanders are more concerned about local issues such as City Council races or the school board. "They think what goes on in Salem doesn’t affect them that much," he said. Without saying who he’d vote for, Roth cited the virtues of both candidates. "One thing appealing about Judy is that she works in a bipartisan way," he said. "If Peter were elected he would make his presence felt. It would be less likely business as usual." Uherbelau does have the experience, he said, but with Buckley, "There is the charisma factor." Cathy Shaw, an Ashland political consultant, said having the choice between good candidates is a healthy thing for the Democratic Party. "For the first time that I can remember, I’m not having to choose between the lesser of two evils," she said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] How they stand on the issues Many people say Oregon must create a more stable funding method. What change, if any, would you support? Buckley : Building a rainy day fund. "How we get there, well, obviously the devil’s in the details." Wants to look at tax credits to see if those designed to promote job creation have, in fact, created jobs. Believes discussion of a sales tax at this point is fruitless, but that the state could look at more fees to pay for services. Uherbelau: Considering a value added tax or a sales tax. "We have to get away from only having, as the old clich�, only two legs to the stool." Believes depending on the income tax leads to instability. Will strive for more fairness in the system, particularly scrutinizing tax breaks to corporations. List, in descending order, your priorities for funding of state government programs or services: Buckley: Public education from kindergarten through university, Oregon Health Plan, public safety. Says it’s "essential that we should invest in public education again." Would work to fund education properly. Uherbelau: Education and health care. Believes the state’s budget has been created piecemeal in the past. "We need to look at all of our budgets together. What are the revenues that we have, what are the needs that we have, and what are our priorities?" How can the state best assist local communities in economic development? Buckley: By supporting partnerships with government and business. Believes the state needs to recover some of the federal money lost because of cutbacks in the Oregon Health Plan. This will help reduce health benefits that employers and employees have to pay. Uherbelau: By making sure the lines of communication are open between legislators and local governments. "Why don’t you tell us your needs? What will assist you?" Says that to impose regulations on communities from the state down doesn’t work. What changes, if any, would you support making in the state’s land-use planning? Buckley: "I think our land-use laws are very forward thinking and benefit our state." Supports regional problem solving, where communities work together to map out and control growth. Uherbelau: "Those people who brought land-use planning to Oregon need to have stars in their crowns." Applauds overall concept of saving agricultural land and open space. Believes changes are required from time to time in existing land-use laws. Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities