Consider choices carefully

Your ballot is here. If you are registered as a Democrat or Republican, you have your candidates to choose from for federal and state offices.

If you are nonaffiliated, you only have nonpartisan offices for judges and district attorney, nonpartisan county offices, and county and city measures to decide on. The winner of the nonpartisan offices, and the measures, are determined by a plurality of yes votes.

So where, for example, there are two candidates for district attorney, the candidate who receives more votes wins the election. The same holds for county and city measures. If the yes votes exceed the no votes, the measure passes.

For my part, I support Johan Pietila, Joe Davis and Patrick Green. I also support all three county measures.

There is ample information available about the issues and candidates. Please consider your choices carefully and use your best judgment and vote!

Stephen Haskell / Ashland

More commissioners needed

I listened to the audio presentation of the Jackson County Commissioners staff meeting on March 28, and toward the end I heard something said by a commissioner that gave me pause to deliberate.

The commissioners were preparing to review their very full calendars for the following week when Commissioner (Colleen) Roberts said, “We’re stuck with two commissioners, two weeks in a row.”

The ensuing review of the calendars for the following week with the two commissioners, county administrator, and county counsel, all sound worked up as they strain to meet their obligations.

When one commissioner is unavailable, I am left to wonder how well is the county being represented with only two commissioners? Three commissioners is hard enough.

The obligations of the county commissioners are ever-growing and, I feel, the county would be better served and represented by having more commissioners to cover these growing obligations.

Vote yes on Measures 15-224, 15-225, 15-226

Beverly Vondra / Talent

District attorney supports Green

As your district attorney for the past 12 years, I want to share why I am supporting Patrick Green.

Patrick is a dedicated prosecutor who is committed to the safety of our community and to seek justice. He is a strong voice for victims and an accomplished trial attorney in the courtroom.

Patrick has the skills and desires to lead the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office into the future. He will hit the ground running and serve you well.

Join me in voting for Patrick Green!

Beth Heckert / Central Point

Davis for Circuit Court judge

When reviewing the candidates for Circuit Court judge, I recommend voting for Joe Davis. Having known him for many years; I can attest to his qualities that are essential for our courthouse.

Joe has consistently demonstrated fairness, thoughtfulness, and a deep understanding of the law. With over 25 years of experience as a family law attorney, business attorney, and prosecutor, his legal acumen is undeniable.

Joe is committed to enhancing the safety, strength, and justice within Jackson County. His community service record is extensive, including roles as a YMCA board member, a member of the Rogue Community College Board of Education, the Legal Aid board, the Living Opportunities board, among others.

Joe’s dedication to improving the lives of community members is evident in his professional and personal endeavors. He is an individual we can trust to excel as a judge. I urge you to vote for Joe Davis for judge.

Michael Zarosinski / Medford

Disappointed in election coverage

I was disappointed in your coverage of the upcoming primary issues. I hope that a local newspaper would provide independent analysis of the issues and of the claims being made by proponents and opponents of the various ballot issues.

I really do not need you to reprint selections from the voter pamphlet that gets mailed to everyone.

Benjamin Ben-Baruch / Medford

Support board reform measures

Election signs that provoke belly laughs? Thank our trio of part-timers, Jackson County’s commissioners.

“No to Big Government!” “It Will Cost More!” Really? They go with that after awarding themselves sky-high salaries? Such concern for taxpayers brings tears!

In 2023, Rick Dyer and Colleen Roberts paid themselves, $146,484 and $148,800, respectively, out of the public trough, excuse me, budget. Relative newcomer Dave Dotterer $126,044.

“Don’t Import Portland!” We should be so lucky! Multnomah County, Oregon’s most populous with its vast tax base, tops out commissioners at 11 percent less. Our governor — more than full-time — makes $45,000 less.Commissioners are not managers. They set policy. It’s always been a part-time post requiring no prior training.

Jack Walker served while operating a car dealership in Phoenix. Sue Kupillas operated an Eagle Point ranch with her husband. Neither would have condoned such self-dealing.

Vote yes! yes! yes! on the three board reform measures.

Alberto Enriquez / Medford

Support Davis for Circuit Court

I have known Joe Davis for nearly 30 years. Joe has a well-deserved reputation as an attorney for being fair, ethical, intelligent, and hard-working.

As a volunteer, Joe has made a significant contribution to a wide variety of our important community institutions.

As a judge, Joe will be committed to the rule of law, and will respect the rights of every person who enters his courtroom. Please join me in voting for Joe Davis for Circuit Court Judge.

Tim Jackle / Medford

Down side to ballot measures

The three (county commissioners) measures increase total costs, decrease transparency, and because of the nonpartisan nature of them, they allow for activist infiltration.

Also, they disenfranchise voters by using less voters to elect them.

Richard Cardwell / Jackson County