Suetos brings much-needed perspective

Phoenix City Council needs new ideas and new energy. Vote for Nicole Suetos to bring those qualities and more to the table.

Her background as a teacher in helping kids achieve their goals will enable her to do the same for Phoenix. Her energetic personality enables connection with the community, something that has been lacking for a long time. As someone on a fixed income, Nicole is sensitive to those like her living in Phoenix and having to pay high city property taxes and fees.

Nicole is smart and quickly absorbs complex issues and will make smart choices for citizens. She brings a much-needed fresh perspective on city council matters. When she speaks, you realize that she shares the same values as you. Nicole represents a new generation of leaders committed to making Phoenix a better place to live.

Bill Thornhill / Phoenix

Krause not part of ‘insider’s club’

Since 2010, we’ve had three commissioners cut from the same cloth. They claim to support smaller government, yet our taxes keep rising. Why?

For two decades, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners has acknowledged the need for a new animal shelter. Instead, they raided the general fund to build a Pandemic Response Center, which is actually a recreation center with basketball courts and other civic services. But here’s the kicker: The city of Medford already built a community service center with aquatic facilities, classrooms, and yes, eight basketball courts.

We’re all familiar with the phrase, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” We cannot keep electing the same “insider’s club” at each election and then expect a change in behavior. Change is what we need. Don’t vote for the same failed political philosophy again. Vote for Denise Krause.

John Littleton / Medford

Krause offers a fresh perspective

I want a county commissioner who is impartial and accessible to all Jackson County residents, who is hard-working, a spitfire unafraid to face tough situations. And I want someone smart and fresh and eager to do the tough work ahead. I want someone committed to community.

Denise is as smart, focused and hard-working as anyone I know. And she remembers you by name and who you are. She’s willing to face tough situations such as mental health, homelessness and the prevailing problems of the county jail and animal shelter. She’s willing to work for all of us, regardless of party, identity, or income level.

If you want someone responsive, who’s smart, a great listener, fiscally conservative, and who brings fresh perspective to this job, vote for Denise.

Ann Magill / Ashland

Elect ‘Game Changers’ in Phoenix

Phoenix is changing and we need new leadership to reach our full potential. Now is the time for voting in Al Muelhoefer as mayor and Virginia Camberos, Susan Chester and Nicole Suetos for City Council.

They are in touch with the citizens and reflect their values. Each of them has demonstrated a willingness to step up, listen to the citizens and implement policies that will give everyone a better life in Phoenix.

They support independent businesses in our downtown and want to smartly grow that area. Each of them reaches out to citizens and understands their concerns about controlling property taxes and city fees. The alternative is to let the incumbents continue to rule. This group is isolated from the population they serve. Citizens want to be heard. Elect the “Game Changers” now!

Marla Rice / Phoenix

Krause has the right credentials, expertise

It is time to elect the best person to the job of Jackson County commissioner, Position 2. This person is Denise Krause. She has the right credentials and expertise to do an exceptional work in the County. You do not need any more words. Please join me and vote for Denise Krause.

Maria-Cristina Page / Medford

Is better democracy worth $1 per voter?

We agree that our election offices are “underfunded and understaffed,” as reported by Reed College (“County clerks wary of ranked-choice voting,” Oct. 19). Nevertheless, we believe clerks want to improve elections; Measure 117 provides us with a way to do that.

Cost estimates for Measure 117 may be unnecessarily high. They fail to note that some counties have legacy machines that already need replacing. And, with over 50 places across the country currently using ranked choice voting, there are resources and materials already developed and ready to use to make the change.

Voter education is a big chunk (rightfully so), but Measure 117 calls on community organizations to supplement education and help lower expenses. Additionally, the National Conference of State Legislators say the average cost for adopting RCV is less than $1 per voter. I urge you to vote YES on Measure 117.

Barbara Klein / Action Chair, League of Women Voters of Rogue Valley

Sparacino has the essential characteristics

Randy Sparacino has been involved in the inner workings of Southern Oregon for 35 years.

I had the pleasure of serving as a volunteer on committees interviewing prospective new police officers in 2017. I saw firsthand the organization displayed through his leadership as Medford police chief. As both chief and mayor of Medford, Randy managed his responsibilities with efficiency and sound judgment. These characteristics are essential for a county commissioner.

I will be voting for Randy Sparacino for county commissioner, and I hope you will too. 

Pat Dunlevy / Medford

Vote no on Measure 118

As a manufacturer located in Southern Oregon, we rely on materials and service suppliers and utilities from Oregon to support our business. Measure 118 would impact our major suppliers subject to the tax and utilities by adding at least 3% to the costs of the products and services they provide. If those supplies are transported to us those costs will also be taxed and added to the transportation costs.

At each level of our supply chain, costs will increase for the materials and labor to get us the products and services we need, making us less competitive in providing the products and projects we could supply.

Oregon corporations already support Oregon with kicker dollars supporting education funding, the Oregon Corporate Activities Tax and Oregon corporation taxes. The multiplier effect of this measure will damage Oregon’s competitiveness in a very competitive national environment. Support Oregon businesses by voting No on Measure 118.

Bill Thorndike / Medford

Pietila: A solid choice for judge

In addition to knowledge of Oregon law and legal experience, I believe a balanced temperament is an important qualification for a judge. That’s why I’m supporting Johan Pietila for Jackson County Circuit Court judge.

Johan grew up in an Oregon working-class family and he, his wife and children are longtime Jackson County residents. He put himself through community college, university and law school by working a variety of jobs, many in the service industry. That’s where he learned to truly listen to people. After serving as an Asst. District Attorney (he’s endorsed by District Attorney Beth Heckert), Johan joined the Jackson County Counsel’s office and has handled many important matters.

A dedicated professional, Johan serves on the steering committee for the Campaign for Equal Justice in Southern Oregon, a non-profit founded by lawyers working to make that a reality for all Oregonians.

Marilyn Hawkins / Ashland

Measure 118 is smoke and mirrors

At first blush, Measure 118’s promise of a rebate for every member of the family is an attractive option. But look closer, and the measure is riddled with problems that will have dire economic consequences.

A 3% tax on corporate revenues above $25 million will inevitably be passed on to consumers, resulting in increased prices. Moreover, associated tax shifts and other obligations required by the measure will cost the state roughly $1 billion a year. Those are dollars that would otherwise go to support vital state services, including schools, affordable housing, and health care.

Measure 118 is smoke and mirrors — an irresponsible tease that will have significant, detrimental repercussions. I will be voting no.

Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland

Rowan is best pick for judge

How are we supposed to know which judge to vote for? The Voters Pamphlet doesn’t even tell you if they’re a Democrat or Republican. That’s because they’re supposed to be nonpartisan positions. Really? OK …

But there is one judge I can tell you about: Judge Matt Rowan. He is currently running for reelection after being appointed by the governor a few months ago to fill a vacancy. He was thoroughly vetted at the time. And the governor picked him over the person he is currently running against.

I can tell you that if you ever find yourself in a court of law where Judge Rowan is presiding, rest assured that he will do his job with fairness and impartiality — and isn’t that what being a judge is all about?

Barry M. Trowbridge / Ashland

ELECTION LETTERS: Deadline arrives for letters to appear in print