When a civic organization steps into local political discussions hosting candidate forums, issuing voter guides, or weighing in on county ballot measures voters rely on transparency to understand who is shaping that work. Citizens for Responsible Government (CRG) presents itself to Josephine County residents as a nonpartisan group. However, public records and party disclosures show that three of its five board members (60%) have held formal roles within the Josephine County Democratic Party. Given the high percentage of non‑affiliated (NAV) and independent voters locally, the expectation for a genuinely nonpartisan organization is that its leadership would reflect that non‑aligned majority.
A nonprofit or civic group may operate as a legally nonpartisan entity regardless of the personal politics of its board. But when a clear majority of an organization’s leadership has documented partisan backgrounds, the “nonpartisan” label deserves closer scrutiny from voters seeking independent information.
Key Leadership Affiliations & Backgrounds
- 3 of 5 Seats Held by Past Democratic Leadership (60% Majority):
- Jane Slama (Chair) — Certified election records show she ran for and served as a Democratic Precinct Committee Person (PCP) in Josephine County.
- Lynda Demsher (Secretary) — Party records show she previously served as Secretary of the Josephine County Democrats Executive Committee and has publicly identified herself as a Democrat.
- Dorothy Yetter (Board Member) — Public disclosures show extensive service within the Josephine County Democrats, including roles as Democratic PCP, Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer.
- Remaining Board Members:
- Mike Weber (Board Member) — Brings a long background in public health administration, regional health-policy boards, and executive involvement with AllCare Health.
- Kathie Saunders (Treasurer) — Leads local volunteer tax assistance programs (JOCOVITA/UCAN). Public records show she has presented before the Josephine County Democratic Central Committee, though she has not held an executive party office.
- Primary Source Records:
- Josephine County Certified Election Results (2024 Democratic PCP Ballot).
- Josephine County Democrats Executive Committee Official Minutes (2019).
- Democratic Party of Oregon Official Voters’ Pamphlet Disclosures (2020).
Summary
Citizens for Responsible Government states that its mission is nonpartisan and open to residents of all political affiliations. The organization is legally permitted to operate as nonpartisan. However, public records document that a 60% majority of its board—Jane Slama, Lynda Demsher, and Dorothy Yetter have held direct leadership or committee roles within the Democratic Party. The remaining board members have backgrounds in government-aligned or politically adjacent institutions.
Highlighting these affiliations is not an accusation of wrongdoing. It is context. When CRG engages in discussions about county governance, charter revisions, or candidate evaluation, voters benefit from knowing the political leadership histories of those directing the organization.
