Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 21, 2020)
Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020 Page A-3 In Cave Junction, the race for mayor is a contentious one Shaun Hall the Daily Courier Things are a bit testy this year in the race for mayor of Cave Junction. The incumbent, Meadow Martell, says the city is functioning well and that criticism from her opponent is unjust. “It’s running smoothly, contrary to some of the things that are being said,” Martell said Thursday during an online candidates forum, and later in an interview. This year’s mayoral race is like no other that Martell has experienced during her 28 years in the Illinois Valley. “I’ve never seen one as contentious” she said. “It’s not a lot of fun.” Martell, 72, is a state- contracted recruiter of health care providers. She plans on retiring from that work in February. She took office last year after beating former Mayor Tony Paulson with 51% of the vote in 2018. The term of office is two years. Martell is opposed by political newcomer Christopher Hall, 52, a hemp seed farmer who moved to the Valley eight years ago. He says city government is due for a change. “For many years, the status quo in town has been to pretty much keep things the same,” Hall said. “The forces of inertia are pretty great. This would be fine if things were OK, but they’re not.” Hall characterizes himself as “an outsider who is mercilessly attacked by the insiders.” He urges voters to also elect council candidates Jason Gill and Joel Dierkes, so the three of them could “form a team who will work for you.” That would give them control of the council, which has four members, plus the mayor. Gill and Dierkes didn’t attend Thursday’s forum, for reasons that weren’t explained. Gill, who owns Aquasource, a water supply business, is challenging incumbent Tina Casey Jones, a freelance writer. Dierkes, who owns True Value Hardware in Cave Junction, is opposing Jesse Dugas, owner of JPS Computers, for an open seat on the council. Martell is former executive director of Siskiyou Community Health Center and is a founding member of the Illinois Valley Community Development Organization, which hosted the forum along with the Illinois Valley News. Hall helped found the Cave Junction Farmers’ Market and is treasurer of the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce. He lists his occupational background as homesteader and equipment operator. There’s been past friction between Hall and the council, which voted last year to move the farmers’ market from a parking area at Jubilee Park to make it safer for pedestrians, but Hall complained that the new location was a muddy area of the park disliked by vendors. In addition, Hall sued City Hall this summer to get his name on the ballot, after initially being refused because his voter registration — used to determine a person’s address — showed his old address outside of the city. He hadn’t updated his driver’s license. After he provided an affidavit from his landlord, the city’s attorney advised the city to allow his name to go on the ballot. If elected, Hall said he would push to create advisory committees to review the city budget, city charter and various plans, including transportation, parks and comprehensive plans. He also said he would push to create a city manager position, revise the city’s staffing structure, and allow current employees to apply for newly created positions. In contrast, Martell said the city’s staff works well together and that the “the city is easy to work with.” “I think we are doing well,” she said. “We will continue to do well. Now is not the time to make the drastic changes Mr. Hall has outlined.” One of Martell’s chief goals is to revitalize downtown with the help of the Main Street America program, which assists communities to revive older and historic commercial districts by providing technical and financial assistance. The city has been accepted as a program client, in the exploratory stage. SEE MAYOR ON A-5 Hope Everyone is staying safe out there! Due to the fire conditions, Siskiyou Sun Grown Has matched our offer on their CBD & Full spectrum Sleep aid or Energy tinctures, & RSO’s! Come get your 25% OFF while supplies last! We are Closing at 7 p.m. until Conditions improve….. ad S pac e for rent $30 per month for issue every call laura at 541-592-2541 F ull S ervice D eli & G rill O pen 6 a . m . - 7 p . m . J. Barley Friday the 23rd @ 6 F or T akeouT C all 541-592-5358 liVe mUSic Saturdays @ 6 Call 541-592-3556 for takeout Taylor’s Country Store Every Wednesday Open mic 6pm - 9pm Sportsman Tavern Pool tables & lottery oPen 10 am to 10 pm KXCJ 105.7 FM Valley News & Views Tuesdays (last call 9:30) 6 -7 p.m. Thank you loyal patrons! streaming at www.kxcj.org Dawna Crocker “Rainbows & Fishnets” Friday, Oct. 23 7 PM Eat @ McGrew’s! Call 541-596-2202
