Should state regulate insurance companies?

We’ve all heard the saying “Closing the barn door after the horse got out.” That’s what our legislators did when mandating their notorious fire map, and now passing legislation to prevent insurance companies from raising rates inspired by the state maps.

My several policies from a mainstream insurer have increased around 25% during the past 12 months, with one policy cancelled completely. The new legislation was apparently a little late.

Insurance companies are not benevolent entities. We hear from our representatives that insurance companies have their own maps, and do their own risk assessment. If this is the case, why was it necessary to pass this recent legislation?

Is this another knee-jerk response, poorly thought out like the first fire map? Since the state mandates insurance on vehicles, perhaps our representatives should focus on regulating insurers in the same way utilities are regulated.

Dan Skillman / Talent

Support treaty to prevent ‘Doomsday’

For 76 years, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists has used its “Doomsday Clock” to indicate how close the world was to nuclear annihilation. In January 2023, the clock was set to 90 seconds before midnight, the closest it has ever been to signaling a possible nuclear conflagration.

The reason is multifaceted: the lack of meaningful negotiations among the nuclear states to reduce the number of weapons; the multi-trillion dollars those states are spending to upgrade and expand their arsenal; and the war in Ukraine, where Russia threatened to use nuclear weapons if pushed to the wall.

The state of affairs is unconscionable, especially because there is a readily available means to negotiate a path away from the abyss.

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, adopted in 2017 and in force since 2021, offers the perfect context in which to negotiate the elimination of nuclear weapons. Sadly, U.S. media have said little to nothing about this treaty.

Now, U.S. Rep. James McGovern and four other House members have introduced House Resolution 77, “Embracing the goals and provisions of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”

I urge all readers to contact their representatives to support this resolution. Its passage would be an important step toward a saner world.

Michael Niemann / Ashland

Krause for RVTD board

Denise Krause’s 25 years of experience in public health administration strongly recommend her for position 1 on the Rogue Valley Transportation District board.

RVTD services range from regular bus routes, to the Valley Lift for the mobility-impaired, to the TransLink non-emergency healthcare transportation. These services are used daily by thousands of people of all ages but are particularly essential to our valley’s aging population.

Krause understands these needs and the difference they can make in the quality of life of the old and disabled. She also has vast experience in pulling down grant support to get the job done.

Please consider Denise Krause when you vote your ballot for the May 16 special districts election in Jackson and Josephine counties.

Alberto Enriquez / Medford

Krause for RVTD board

Denise Krause is running for Position 1 on the Rogue Valley Transportation District board. She has a commendable resume, with a PhD in Preventive Medicine and relishes research and technology in solving problems.

She is talking with bus riders — students, those needing public transportation for work, for medical appointments, or moving around the valley for family/fun pursuits. She has learned about their concerns and needs.

Those with transportation options often take our independence for granted. Those fortunate to have property and pay taxes do not usually need to ride public transportation here. Yet some can believe a candidate who professes that it is not safe to ride our buses and sadly repeat that misinformation.

Denise projects optimism that ridership is safe, reliable, affordable and comfortable. She knows it can be even better and serve more riders! Knowing Denise, she will work tirelessly for all of us. Remember Denise Krause! Thanks for voting!

Teddie Hight / Medford

No on Ashland parks measure

When I read the verbiage for the city of Ashland ballot measure to extend the restaurant tax, I was nearly converted. The statement in support was all Motherhood and Apple Pie!

What’s not to like?

This measure deserves scrutiny. Why is it that such a big chunk of funds goes to an agency beyond standard fiscal and managerial constraints? Could it be another case of ballot chicanery?

I have not consulted local restaurant owners on how they feel about the measure. Are they pressing for this tax to be extended just as they are rebounding from the pandemic?

OSF — along with the rest of the theatre world — is evolving. City governments are evolving, and Ashland (that’s you, voters) needs to get on the right track and spend smarter — not greater.

I can’t support this measure until those beyond Ashland Parks have compelling reasons to do so.

Marty Breon / Ashland