vote 2023

New blood for Fire District 5

Vote out the incumbents at Jackson County Fire District No. 5.

I spent about 25 years on this board. All of their support is from the union. See current pay increases to know why. PERS impact?

No personal ads, just big gaudy union billboards. With millions of dollars in grants, now is a great time to be transparent. Their website is terrible. This, after years of promising better.

Vote Stone and Volkart.

Bill Robertson / Ashland

Krause for RVTD board

We are so fortunate to have someone like Denise Krause running for the board of the Rogue Valley Transportation District. (RVTD).

I know Denise to be someone who cares deeply about Southern Oregon. Her fiscal management experience, coupled with her commitment to helping RTVD best meet the needs of all of us in the valley, will serve us well.

I know Denise to have the character that will make her an excellent addition to the board. She is extremely smart, hard-working and collaborative.

I am grateful for people like Denise who are willing to devote themselves to public service for the benefit of everyone.

Adrienne Simmons / Ashland

Krause for RVTD Board

Denise Krause is running for the Rogue Valley Transit District Board and I will be voting for her. Denise recognizes the importance of public transportation in our valley and will represent us well.

She listens to everyone, is open to input and plans for the future. Public transportation may not be a trendy topic, but it is an essential service to many in our community, and Denise genuinely cares about the future of our valley.

And, you have to wonder about the goals of the other candidates running for the RVTD Board when those candidates are running for two or more elected positions in the same election.

I trust Denise. She has the skill we need and believes in giving back to the community. Denise will do what’s best for all of us. Please elect Denise Krause to the RVTD board.

John Littleton / Medford

Yes on Ashland parks measure

You’d think overwhelming support for Measure 15-214 by the currently elected Ashland City Councilors, Mayor, and Parks and Recreation Commissioners would be persuasive.

A small group seems to feel the best way to provide for maintenance and operations of Ashland parks, outdoor spaces, and senior and youth programs is to reduce their funding and/or change how they are managed.

That’s why over 150 others — some formerly elected Councilors, Mayors, civic leaders, and ordinary citizens like me — have publicly endorsed a yes vote. We believe reallocating 73% of Food & Beverage tax now limited to capital improvements to APRC maintenance and operations will relieve pressure on Ashland’s General Fund needed for essential services.

We recognize that the Food & Beverage revenues are a long-term solution to the municipal funding crisis faced by cities like Ashland whose needs are limited by capped property taxes. Join us.

Anne Bellegia / Ashland

Yes on Ashland parks measure

Are you confused by the Ashland 15-214 parks measure? Please ignore the anti-tax hype and vote yes for parks. This measure is supported by the City Council and all the Parks Commissioners who are all elected by us.

This measure is the opportunity for you to express that Ashland’s parks are an important priority in your life.

Larry Cooper / Ashland

Yes on Ashland parks measure

A YES vote provides for 73% of Ashland’s Food & Beverage Tax revenue to be allocated to parks operations and maintenance, senior services and Capital Improvement Projects, while 25% of the revenue will remain dedicated to parks CIP and 2% to administration of the tax.

Parks will be allocated a certain amount of money through the budget process whether from the Food & Beverage tax or other tax revenue of the General Fund. The Council through recommendations of the Citizens Budget Committee has ultimate control of these allocations.

Budget cuts, budgeting for other city services or a change in management have nothing to do with the percentages of funds being allocated to parks through the measure.

The tax itself will not increase or add additional money to the money allocated to parks. It will add flexibility to council to allocate funds to parks, broadening the use of funds from the General Fund.

Linda Peterson Adams / Ashland