Elect John West as Commissioner Position 1

Opinion Introduction: John West represents the kind of grounded, practical leadership Josephine County needs right now. He brings a steady hand, a clear understanding of local priorities, and a commitment to protecting the values that make our community strong. His focus is simple: responsible governance, safe neighborhoods, and a county government that works for the people who live here. Proven Local Leadership — Emphasizes hands‑on experience in Josephine County issues, focusing on practical solutions rather…

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Vindication: Examining the Recall Claims for John West

Opinion The individual responsible for the recall allegations against John West is currently the defendant in a defamation lawsuit. During the initial hearing on February 25th, the judge ruled that the plaintiff, John West, successfully established a prima facie case. This ruling indicates that West has presented sufficient evidence to support his claims, allowing the lawsuit to proceed toward a trial. A Review of the Recall Allegations and Public RecordsTo better understand the situation, it…

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The Case for John West: A “Citizen First” Commissioner

Opinion John West’s service as County Commissioner previously reflected a clear and consistent philosophy: government should remain limited, accountable, and focused on its core responsibilities. His tenure was defined by fiscal conservatism, strong defense of property rights, and a willingness to challenge long‑standing assumptions about how county government operates. Supporters credit him with bringing a needed dose of transparency, discipline, and citizen‑focused leadership to Josephine County. Core Tenets and Accomplishments Fiscal Responsibility & Waste Reduction…

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

Opinion 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"…

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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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