Local Politics

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
Clean Forest Program – Josephine County
County Politics / Local News / Local Politics

Clean Forest Program – Josephine County

I came across a comment by Konnor Kirkpatrick in Facebook that caught my attention regarding the Clean Forest Project. I have often wondered why our beautiful forest areas in our region keep deteriorating and perhaps this might explain part of it. Maybe Kirkpatrick can add his thoughts to this and correct any misinformation I might have written. Program Origins Clean Forest Project (nonprofit) Started: mid-2000s Purpose: Volunteer-led cleanup of illegal dumping and trash on public…

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January 11, 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
Conservatism Means Accountability
City Politics / County Politics / Local News / Local Politics / Recall

Conservatism Means Accountability

Political parties play an important role in a healthy democracy. They recruit candidates, help them get elected, and advance shared policy goals. But that role carries responsibility. When party loyalty is placed above public trust, ethical standards, or the rule of law, the party risks undermining the very principles it claims to defend. The following points outline where that line should be drawn and where our party has too often missed it.Political parties exist to:•…

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December 28, 2025
It’s Not the Title – It’s the Respect
City Politics / County Politics / Local News / Local Politics

It’s Not the Title – It’s the Respect

The art of communication: As I was reflecting this morning on the idea of titles and their importance, I came to an interesting realization - something I’ve lived by all my life without ever putting it into words. It’s not the title that holds true value; it’s the respect we have for the person behind it. Whether someone is the President of the United States, the Chair of a political party or a janitor, if…

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November 5, 2025
Honesty and Integrity: The Compass of Conservatism
City Politics / County Politics / Local News / Local Politics

Honesty and Integrity: The Compass of Conservatism

Honesty and integrity aren’t just virtues, they’re the bedrock of who we are. These principles shape our values, guide our decisions, and define our legacy. Whether in business, relationships, or politics, they must remain our compass. Without them, we lose direction. Without them, we lose ourselves. This truth is especially urgent in politics, where the temptation to compromise is constant. Politics touches every corner of our lives, our communities, our freedoms, our future. And yet,…

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November 2, 2025
The Truth About the Library Debate and 2007 Closures
County Politics / Local News / Local Politics

The Truth About the Library Debate and 2007 Closures

Josephine County - Once again, I’ve come across misinformation and disinformation intended to mislead readers into believing a false narrative. Two recent statements in particular stand out: that the commissioners do not want a library, and that the commissioners closed all the libraries in 2007. Both of these claims are false, or at best highly misleading. If people are going to make such sweeping statements, they should at least provide credible references. Can anyone point…

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August 20, 2025
Multi-Layer Crisis: Rural Josephine County Struggles with Crime, Drugs, and Policy Fallout
Business/Tourism / City Politics / County Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics / State Politics

Multi-Layer Crisis: Rural Josephine County Struggles with Crime, Drugs, and Policy Fallout

Once known for its scenic charm and tight-knit community spirit, Grants Pass and the greater Josephine County area are now facing a growing storm of crime, drug addiction, and homelessness, a problem may be rooted in a tangle of state policies and local limitations. Let's take a closer look at this multi-layer problem. All these problems point to a “multi-layer” crisis, where statewide legislation and local resource shortages combine to create a revolving door for…

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August 14, 2025
Oregon’s Fall Under Democratic Supermajority
City Politics / County Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics / State Politics

Oregon’s Fall Under Democratic Supermajority

Once celebrated for its natural beauty and pioneering spirit, Oregon now finds itself plagued by deep, worsening crises that no local lawmaker can fix as these are brought on by state enacted polices. With a Democratic supermajority ruling the legislature for years, many hoped bold, compassionate leadership would usher in a golden era for the people. But instead, Oregonians have watched with growing frustration as critical issues have spiraled out of control. The issues that…

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July 15, 2025
How Media Slant’s Stories to Their Preferred Outcomes
Local News / Local Politics / media / National Politics / State Politics

How Media Slant’s Stories to Their Preferred Outcomes

Using AI like ChatGPT, I provided a few basic facts and asked it to write a news story based on those facts. Then, I asked it to rewrite the same story, but with a slant that made the criminal appear to be the hero. This exercise clearly demonstrates how easily stories can be framed or “slanted” to fit a desired narrative. It also highlights just how simple it is today to create the appearance of…

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June 23, 2025