Election 2026

Procedural Timeline: John West v. Jay Meredith (Case No. 25CV43500)
County Politics / Election 2026 / Lawsuit / Local News / Local Politics / Recall

Procedural Timeline: John West v. Jay Meredith (Case No. 25CV43500)

Opinion Former Josephine County Commissioner John West filed a $2 million defamation lawsuit against Jay Meredith. The suit targeted a "recall dossier" and various news articles published during and after West’s December 2024 recall election. While the lawsuit survived initial challenges, it was ultimately dismissed on a strict statutory timeline technicality rather than the actual truth of the statements. The Three Court Hearings February 25, 2026 – Anti-SLAPP Motion Denied: Judge Galli denied the defendant's…

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June 23, 2026
Legal Updates: John West Litigation
County Politics / Election 2026 / Lawsuit / Local News / Recall

Legal Updates: John West Litigation

Opinion John West v. J.J. Scofield May 29, 2026: Following a two-hour hearing, Judge Galli denied J.J. Scofield’s anti-SLAPP motion (a motion intended to dismiss lawsuits that chill free speech). This lawsuit centers around statements J.J. Scofield made in Facebook regarding alleged “illegal meetings” by John West. John West v. Jay Meredith February 25, 2026: In the initial hearing, Judge Galli denied Jay Meredith’s anti-SLAPP motion, a ruling confirmed by the Daily Courier. Judge Galli…

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May 30, 2026
State Statute Violations & Former Democratic Chair New Voice For BCC
County Politics / Election 2026 / Local News / Local Politics

State Statute Violations & Former Democratic Chair New Voice For BCC

Opinion Last month, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) terminated all three budget committee members, allegedly because "they all thought the same." While the board needed to stagger terms, they could have simply let current terms expire in November or asked for volunteers to accept one, two, or three-year seats. Instead, by dissolving the committee entirely, the BCC violated ORS 294.414, ignoring established state statutes. The board claims to want "diverse thinking," which explains their…

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May 8, 2026
The Liberal Long Game: How We Lose Our County
City Politics / County Politics / Election 2026 / 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 2026 / 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
John West – Putting Josephine County First
County Politics / Election 2026 / Local News

John West – Putting Josephine County First

Opinion IntroductionCommissioner John West represents a steady, principled voice for Josephine County residents who expect their local government to work for them not outside interests or political agendas. With a focus on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and local control, West approaches county leadership with common sense, transparency, and respect for the people who live and work here. His priorities reflect the values of a rural county that believes in accountability, property rights, and community safety.…

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April 15, 2026
Simon Hare: Budget Officer Statement On Contract Dispute
County Politics / Election 2026 / Local News

Simon Hare: Budget Officer Statement On Contract Dispute

Opinion In his statement from the April 1, 2026, Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting, former Budget Officer Simon Hare addressed the controversy surrounding his contract and resignation. Key Points of the Statement:Professional Background: Hare emphasized his eight years of experience as a former County Commissioner, noting he successfully managed the county through significant fiscal crises and was recruited by the previous board specifically for his expertise. The Reason for Resignation: Hare stated he was…

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April 13, 2026
Red Flags: The BCC’s War on Transparency
County Politics / Election 2026 / Local News / Local Politics

Red Flags: The BCC’s War on Transparency

Opinion In a very short time, the current Board of County Commissioners has raised serious red flags regarding our tax dollars: Rate Hikes: They already voted to increase SOS rates. Deficit Hiring: They want to hire 21 new employees that the Budget Committee says we cannot afford. See BCC agenda below. Tax Burdens: They are pushing a tax levy instead of exploring recommended alternatives. The Budget Committee Purge: In a move that undermines independent oversight,…

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April 12, 2026
Rep. Dwayne Yunker – Principles Over Payouts
Election 2026 / Local News / State Politics

Rep. Dwayne Yunker – Principles Over Payouts

Opinion A System Rigged for the MajorityIn the Oregon Legislature, major funding decisions are dominated by a single party and entrenched leadership. For a principled Republican in the minority, "bringing money home" frequently comes with a hidden price tag. Freshman legislatures must wait in line as the senior legislatures and majority party take front row seats to any earmarks. Securing a local payout typically requires a "yes" vote on massive spending packages, statewide tax increases,…

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April 8, 2026
The Vindicated Commissioner: Why John West is Running Again
County Politics / Election 2026 / Local News

The Vindicated Commissioner: Why John West is Running Again

Opinion In the quiet corners of Josephine County, where the timber grows thick and the spirit of independence runs deeper than the Rogue River, the story of John West’s return isn't just a political campaign it's a story of a man who refused to stay down when the establishment tried to bury him. The Outsider Who Kept His WordWhen John West first took his seat in 2023, he didn’t arrive with a suitcase full of…

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April 7, 2026