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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 27, 2004)
Page 7 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, October 27, 2004 Williams man found shot County candidates state platforms Vowing to cut ex- penses and improve Jose- phine County governmen- tal efficiency to make the county a better place, four commission candidates spoke their pieces during a public forum. The program was held at Lorna Byrne Middle School in Cave Junction on Wednesday night, Oct. 20. Approximately 45 per- sons attended the event, organized by Dave Toler, a member of the Three Riv- ers School District board; and sponsored by “Illinois Valley News.” Making comments and fielding questions were incumbent Jim Brock and challenger Jim Raffenburg for Position 2; and Cherryl Walker and Dwight Ellis for Position 3. Assisting Toler during the forum were seven stu- dents from Steve Morgan’s government class at Illi- nois Valley High School. They collected written questions and read them to the candidates. In addition, Andy Bebeau, who gradu- ated from IVHS this year, served as time-keeper for candidate responses. The government class students were Nicole Navarro, Megan Miller, Jenna Lorensen, Tanya Carey, Echo Reagan, Megan Wilkinson and Paul Koci. In addition, Navarro sang the national anthem a cappella. Raffenburg, a former NASA administrator and current reserve sheriff’s deputy and court mediator, noted his proven leader- ship experience, as did Ellis, Walker and Brock. But Ellis and Raffen- burg took issue with Brock’s statement that if he is not re-elected, the county board would have only two years experience, as that’s how long Com- missioner Jim Riddle has served. Raffenburg, who has served as a county plan- ning commissioner, also took issue with a Grants Pass “Daily Courier” re- port about his candidacy. (See his ad on page 11). All four candidates stressed the need to reduce county expenses. Raffen- burg especially dunned Brock in that area, saying that the commissioners have known for several years that $17 million in O&C “safety net” funding will end in 2006, but that no money has been saved. Brock noted that dur- ing his eight years on the board in Position 3 (he ran for Position 2 after defeat- ing longtime Commis- sioner Harold Haugen,) he has done just that. He said that he has implemented performance- based budgeting to hold county departments ac- countable to objective standards and performance benchmarks. Brock added that he is developing a “fair and eq- uitable” compensation and benefits policy for county employees “with fairness to taxpayers.” In addition, said Brock, he has privatized certain government ser- vices to improve efficiency and service. He also pointed to his leadership developing the county fire plan; and working toward economic development and ensuring that infra- structure projects are planned or under way, such as at I.V. Airport. Raffenburg said that he will put an end to ex- cessive paid leave, and “lead by example.” He said that he will institute a minimum man- ager-to-employee ratio of seven to one, adding that he sees “county managers wandering around Down- town Grants Pass because they don’t have anything to do.” Brock said that the ratio isn’t that high. Raffenburg said that he will “implement strict spending controls” and prioritize funding for sher- iff’s office patrol and jail staffing. He said that the county also needs to con- solidate its purchasing to save money. He and Ellis said that they will be available for citizens to talk with them, as did Walker. Walker also said that she will work for local control and seek citizen involvement in local is- sues. Regarding land-use policies, the former state legislator said that they should “be flexible enough to serve the needs of com- munities without taking away the rights of private property owners to use their land.” As a commissioner she would “consolidate ser- vices, contract for services, cut unnecessary expenses, and offer incentives to re- ward county employees for documented cost savings.” She said that she will fight to continue receiving O&C money, and base county department budgets on performance. She would have “an open door” for citizens and an “open mind.” She also wants to develop a long- term countywide plan “to help maintain the quality of life in the county.” Ellis said he would strive to adjust the man- ager-to-staff ratios, and “maximize the impact of taxpayer dollars to pro- vide, stable, efficient and consistent services.” He noted that he served the U.S. Air Force for 24 years, and has been executive director of the Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce. Under his di- rection, the organization has grown from 373 mem- bers to more than 800. He was chosen the state’s top chamber executive director this year. “One of my goals as commissioner,” he said, “is to secure funding for our county.” He said that there are areas to reduce costs, and that he will pursue them for citizens. He is in favor of addi- tional funding for the county jail so that “if you do the crime, you do the time.” Ellis added that he will be able to find such funding without the need for a levy by cutting ex- penses, but that if the levy passes he would “do away with it” as it would not be necessary under his leader- ship. Brock has made county better and deserves to be re-elected Do Josephine County vot- ers want to Keep a com- missioner who has pro- duced improvements or take their chances with an untested candidate who promises them? comes up for renewal in 2006. This is a $5 million- a-year issue that will be in the hands of a Board of Commissioners with a total of two years of ex- perience if Brock loses … The Daily Courier editorial board chooses the former and as a result, endorses Jim Brock in his Nov. 2 race for commissioner, Position 2. Brock has helped the county clear many important hurdles in his eight years in office. What’s more, he’s eagerly tackled new and impor- tant issues, such as em- ployee compensation and the shake-up of the county’s Finance Depart- ment in the wake of an embezzlement. … Brock came on board in 1997 when the commis- sioners had turned county government into a laugh- ingstock with their inept- ...The Daily Courier edito- ness in building the Juve- rial board hopes (Jim) Raf- nile Justice Center. They fenberg can deliver if had a $1 million overrun and re- County Commissioner jections of their Position 2 plans by the fed- eral government, which was pro- viding a low- interest loan. Two years later, the center was done -- elected, but thinks voters and at no additional cost would do better to elect to taxpayers. instead a person who ac- The board, with Brock, tually wrestled with has had similar success county problems and won: in cleaning up problems Jim Brock. Brock’s experience could be extremely valuable when the federal govern- ment’s “safety net” for Western Oregon counties at the county airport in Merlin, building an adult jail and making the com- missioners’ business much more open to the public. Brock is also the only commissioner who voted to cut the outrageous nine weeks paid leave for 140 county managers … Jim Brock Reprinted from the Grants Pass Daily Courier and paid for by Citizens to Elect Jim Williams resident Tho- mas Albert Rives, 19, ap- parently shot himself in the head and subsequently died on Sunday, Oct. 24, said Josephine County Sheriff’s Office. He was found at 395 E. Fork Road by emer- gency personnel at ap- proximately 2:08 p.m. He was taken by a Life Flight helicopter to Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford, where he died at approximately 4:30 p.m. Candidates for two seats on the Josephine County Board of Commissioners attended a public forum in Cave Junction on Wednesday night, Oct. 20. The event was organized by Dave Toler (bottom, center) and aided by students from Steve Mor- gan’s government class at Illinois Valley High School. At Farmers®, we understand that insurance is about getting you back where you belong should the unexpected happen. Italian Night Thursdays (Dinner only) Halloween Party! Saturday, Oct. 30 8 p.m. to midnight Two bands will play! That’s why we specialize in providing Auto, Home and Life insurance policies based on your needs. Call me today to find out how you can save money by covering your insurance needs through Farmers. $3 cover charge with costume, $5 without Subscribe to ‘Illinois Valley News’ See page 20 New Classes Offered at Deborah Dawson’s Center for Artfull Being Beginning Drawing for Adults Basic drawing for those who have always wanted to learn but were afraid. Non-critical approach in a calm and serene environment. Thursday mornings 10 to 11, November 18 through December 9. Cost for 4, one-hour classes is $50 Supplies are pencils, eraser and drawing tablet. Advanced Drawing for Adults This class is for those who want to improve their drawing skills and produce finished works. We will study technique and composition. Tuesday mornings 10 to noon, November 16 through December 7. Cost for 4, two-hour classes is $80. Inner Art of Women - Self Exploration This workshop will focus on inner and outer self- image. We’ll explore our light and shadow side using a variety of media in a safe and non-critical environment. Saturday, November 13, 1 to 6 p.m. Sliding scale $20 to $50 for 5-hour workshop. Sign-up at Blue Moon Café or Studio 203 above Blue Moon. Phone 596-2023. Private Lessons and Gift certificates for the holidays are available at $20 per hour. November Art Walk: Deborah Dawson will show her newest work at Blue Moon Café.
