Don’t vote for ‘ranked choice’ voting

Hopefully, Oregonians will carefully consider what a “ranked choice” system of voting involves. Who is behind this push to change Oregon voting? What is wrong with the system we’ve always used? Why not continue to vote once per election cycle?

When Maine went to this system years ago, many people did not realize that often a candidate who received the most votes the first time around often was not the winner in the final vote.

Our Maine friend has described the “ranked choice” procedure and  it sounds like something not to adopt.

We urge Oregon voters to carefully examine this complicated system before voting it into effect. It seems that election results might take longer as well as cost taxpayers more (as per county clerks’ concerns). It would seem that Oregon county clerks are being realistic.

Joanne Wilcox / Central Point

Vote for Sparacino for commissioner

With over 30 years in public service in the community we call home, Randy Sparacino’s deep understanding of Jackson County makes him the only qualified candidate for county commissioner.

Randy has a proven record of fostering economic growth, strengthening law enforcement, and addressing the housing and homelessness crisis. His experience goes beyond policy — he has worked collaboratively with community leaders to drive sustainable changes that enhance our community.

Randy understands that a thriving community means good-paying jobs, safe neighborhoods, and resilient families. With him as commissioner, we can trust our county’s future will be in capable hands. Join me in voting Randy Sparacino for Jackson County commissioner.

Travis Snyder / Medford

Vote for Zarosinski for mayor

I am writing to express my support for Michael Zarosinski for Medford mayor. I have worked with Michael as an executive director of a nonprofit during his time on the council, and then as colleagues on the Medford Vision Committee and have found him to be a collaborative leader focused on finding the best solutions to problems.

I believe his experience professionally, as an elected official, and as an engaged community member serving on multiple nonprofit boards makes him the most qualified candidate to move our city forward. Please join me in voting for Michael Zarosinski.

Bill Ihle / Medford

Sparacino for county commissioner

Randy Sparacino’s lifelong dedication to Jackson County speaks volumes about his commitment to our community. Having served as Medford’s police chief and now as Medford’s mayor to tackle challenges, Randy brings proven leadership skills and a strong understanding of public service. His decades of experience show he knows how to collaborate, listen and act in the best interests of our residents.

Randy is committed to keeping our community safe, tackling the housing and homelessness crisis, and driving economic development to create a thriving Jackson County. He’s not a career politician; he’s a public servant ready to lead with integrity and care.

Jackson County deserves a commissioner who truly understands its unique needs and challenges, which is why Randy Sparacino is the only qualified candidate for the job. Join me in voting Randy Sparacino for Jackson county commissioner.

Bob Mylenek / Medford

Vote yes on Measure 17-119

I am writing to encourage our community to vote Yes on Measure 17-119 in support of Rogue Community College’s bond. This investment is critical for addressing the skilled worker shortages impacting Southern Oregon.

Measure 17-119 will create modern, hands-on learning centers for high-demand fields like healthcare, commercial driving and welding — industries where local employers are struggling to find qualified workers. This means more opportunities for our friends, neighbors and family members to gain valuable skills right here at home.

One of the best aspects of Measure 17-119 is that it achieves these goals with no tax increase in Jackson County and only a small $20 per year for the average homeowner in Josephine County. This bond measure is a win-win: It strengthens our local workforce, supports local families and ensures we have the skilled professionals needed to keep our community thriving.

Let’s make sure our students have access to career-wage jobs and that our community has the nurses, drivers and skilled tradespeople it needs. Vote yes on  Measure 17-119.

Greg Lemhouse / Ashland

Vote yes on Measure 117

After talking with voters about Measure 117, I discovered something interesting. When I asked people if they thought election winners should get more than half the votes, nearly everyone said yes. Yet many didn’t realize that under our current system, candidates can win with far less than half of all votes.

Measure 117 fixes this, efficiently and affordably. Some voters initially worried that ranked choice voting meant casting multiple votes or would be too confusing. But here’s the simple truth: you still get one vote, and ranking only comes into play if no candidate gets more than half the votes.

Think of it like an instant runoff election, but more affordable. Instead of holding a costly separate runoff election, Measure 117 lets voters rank their choices up front. After seeing how it works, even skeptical voters became supporters.

Let’s elect officials with true majority support. Vote yes on 117.

Elizabeth Walsh / Ashland

This is the final batch of online election letters for the Nov. 5 election. Submissions are no longer being accepted by the Rogue Valley Times.