City Politics

The Liberal Long Game: How We Lose Our County
City Politics / County Politics / Election / Local News / Local Politics

The Liberal Long Game: How We Lose Our County

This is a long four part series I posted on Facebook recently. I wasn't sure if it was something I wanted to share here or not - till today. I think it's a very useful series for those interested and for referring back to from time to time. Part I: The Liberal Long Game: How We Lose Our County I have become deeply disgusted and concerned. One of the Facebook groups among our local Josephine…

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May 3, 2026
Details on Secured State Funding for Josephine County
City Politics / County Politics / Election / Local News / State Politics

Details on Secured State Funding for Josephine County

This details the process behind Representative Dwayne Yunker collaborative process that led to securing $3.5 million for critical local infrastructure and economic drivers. Project Initiation: The effort began in December 2025 when Representative Yunker and Senator Robinson met with the Mayor of Grants Pass and city staff to identify high-priority projects and establish a legislative roadmap. Building a Coalition: Advocacy was expanded to include the Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce and other local stakeholders to…

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April 15, 2026
In Oregon: Do political parties endorse candidates for the primary and for non-partisan elections?
City Politics / County Politics / Election / Local News / Local Politics / State Politics

In Oregon: Do political parties endorse candidates for the primary and for non-partisan elections?

You will often see it happen at the local or county level, and the rules vary significantly depending on which party and which county you're looking at.1. State vs. Local "Neutrality"Generally, the Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO) and the Oregon Republican Party (ORP) maintain a policy of neutrality during the primaries. Their goal is to let the voters decide who the strongest nominee is. They typically save their resources and official "seal of approval" for…

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March 18, 2026
The Reality: Why Freshmen Rarely “Bring Home the Bacon”
City Politics / County Politics / Election / Local News / Local Politics / State Politics

The Reality: Why Freshmen Rarely “Bring Home the Bacon”

The reality of funding in a legislator’s first (freshman) year is simple. If someone tells you they can bring a bunch of money back to the district in their first year, they are most likely not telling you the truth.If you don’t understand how funding actually works for freshman legislators especially those in the minority party here are a few facts you should try to understand. In the world of Oregon politics, it is actually…

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March 10, 2026
Governing With the Community, Not Around It
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Governing With the Community, Not Around It

Election season is underway, hopefully this is useful for those in office and those running for office. What are the key elements of any governing body? In my mind, it comes down to transparency and accountability. When both are present, they create a bidirectional trust factor, which is essential to the success of any government or business.With full transparency and accountability, leaders can earn trust and, in turn, be trusted by the very people they…

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March 5, 2026
Current Status HB 3115 Repeal – Ballot Initiative 2026-054
City Politics / County Politics / Homeless / Local News / State Politics

Current Status HB 3115 Repeal – Ballot Initiative 2026-054

I know many people are very interested in this initiative: As of late January 2026, Oregon Initiative Petition 2026-054, officially known as the "Local Control & Safety Act," has just cleared a major procedural hurdle. The most recent update occurred on January 22, 2026, when the Oregon Elections Division received the certified ballot title from the Attorney General. This move allows the initiative to move closer to the signature-gathering phase for the November 3, 2026,…

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January 28, 2026
Why Majority Rule, Not Universal Consensus, Shapes Our Government
City Politics / County Politics / Local News / Local Politics / State Politics

Why Majority Rule, Not Universal Consensus, Shapes Our Government

I have read and heard some people argue that elected officials should serve the entire community. In theory, this sounds admirable, but in practice it simply is not possible.If one side of the aisle believes that more government is the solution while the other believes that less government is more efficient, where do you meet? If one side believes in saving the spotted owl while the other believes in saving jobs and economic prosperity, where…

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January 20, 2026
The Year of the Storm: A County in Chaos Politically
City Politics / County Politics / Local News / Local Politics

The Year of the Storm: A County in Chaos Politically

In Josephine County the past twelve months have felt less like a standard election cycle and more like a political thriller. Driven by a wave of endorsements from the local party establishment, a new slate of leaders took office with promises of reform. Instead, the community has watched a cascading series of resignations, investigations, and legal challenges that have left the local government in a state of unprecedented flux. There was one political party responsible…

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January 8, 2026
Homeless: Repeal HB 3115 with Ballot Initiative 2026-054
City Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics / State Politics

Homeless: Repeal HB 3115 with Ballot Initiative 2026-054

A critical ballot initiative is coming that could restore local control in Oregon. HB 3115 forces cities to meet a vague “objectively reasonable” standard before acting, leaving them vulnerable to costly lawsuits and unable to protect their communities.Initiative 2026‑054 puts power back in the hands of voters. In November 2026, Oregonians can repeal HB 3115 and give cities the ability to enforce commonsense policies that protect neighborhoods, public spaces, and public safety. Some background:What Would…

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December 29, 2025