The United Conservatives’ Lunch & Learn on November 6th was a full and lively event, bringing together wonderful people who share a common interest in understanding how politics shapes our everyday lives.
Guest Speaker: Rhiannon Henkels — Josephine County Clerk
We were honored to hear from Rhiannon Henkels of the Josephine County Clerk’s Office. It was impressive to learn about the wide range of services her office provides and her extensive experience in public service. Rhiannon has played a major role in expanding the department’s offerings to the community.
Many attendees were surprised to discover that the Clerk’s Office is responsible for much more than just overseeing elections. The department handles marriage licenses, property deeds, passports, and other essential community services. One of the most notable new programs is the Property Recording Alert Service (PRAS) — a valuable tool that allows residents to monitor potential liens or fraudulent filings against their property, a growing concern in today’s world.
Rhiannon’s dedication and professionalism reflect the importance of her office to the entire county. It was truly an honor to learn more about her work and the vital services she oversees.
Guest Speaker: Joseph Rice — Community and Business Perspective on Homelessness
Next, Joseph Rice shared his insights on the homelessness issue, speaking from his experience as a community member, father, and business owner. Drawing on his international business background and access to legal counsel, Joseph discussed the recent homeless lawsuit and the legal perspectives on how it could have been better handled.
One key takeaway from his talk was the shared community concern that, regardless of available shelters or programs, laws must be enforced. As Joseph emphasized, being homeless does not grant anyone the right to be lawless in our community.
Guest Speaker: Seth Benham — City Council Perspective
We were also joined unexpectedly by City Councilor Seth Benham, who offered his thoughts on homelessness, public safety, and the city’s recent decision regarding a homelessness grant. His comments added valuable insight to the ongoing discussion and helped attendees better understand the city’s challenges and priorities.
Conclusion
Overall, it was an excellent Lunch & Learn centered on education and civic engagement. Events like this help our community members stay informed and empowered to make better, more thoughtful decisions for Josephine County’s future. Join us at Lunch and Learn where the community comes together to learn. Visit United Conservatives at https://unitedconservatives.info/
