Local Politics

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
A New Era for the Josephine County Republican Party: Chair Joseph Rice Brings Business and Political Experience
County Politics / Local News / Local Politics / media

A New Era for the Josephine County Republican Party: Chair Joseph Rice Brings Business and Political Experience

Joseph Rice was recently elected as the new Chair of the Josephine County Republican Party, ushering in a promising new chapter for local conservatives. Mr. Rice brings with him a wealth of successful business experience and years of involvement in Oregon Republican politics, a powerful combination that signals both change and continued momentum for the party. Chair Rice is a firm believer in a bottom-up approach to party leadership, where Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs) form…

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July 2, 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
John West Vindicated Amid Bogus Ethics Complaints
County Politics / Local News / Local Politics

John West Vindicated Amid Bogus Ethics Complaints

As you may have recently read, Commissioner John West has had the final ethics complaint against him officially dismissed. In fact, every single complaint lodged against him has been thrown out. This overwhelming pattern makes one thing abundantly clear: we did not witness legitimate concerns, we witnessed a campaign to discredit him by those hoping that if they throw enough mud, something might stick. From the outset, it was evident that these complaints were more…

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June 19, 2025
The Reality About Voter Turnout in Josephine County
County Politics / Local News / Local Politics

The Reality About Voter Turnout in Josephine County

I put together some numbers to illustrate a point. Some time ago, a few people argued that the Republican voter block in Josephine County was too small compared to the NAV (non-affiliated voter) block, claiming that Republicans were essentially doomed to lose here because of the large NAV presence. That never made any sense to me and it still doesn’t. The numbers tell us a story of reality, that while NAV voters may “slightly outnumber…

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June 18, 2025
Vine Street Property Lease Secured Amidst Community Outcry: Questions Arise Over Funding and Public Input
City Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics

Vine Street Property Lease Secured Amidst Community Outcry: Questions Arise Over Funding and Public Input

At last night's Grants Pass City forum, if my understanding is correct, Jeromy from U-Turn for Christ announced they have secured the lease for the Vine Street property. This comes despite significant community concerns regarding the project's size, scope, and location. The 7.8-acre property is large enough to potentially house a "homeless industrial complex" for years, accommodating an estimated 500-600 people. The community has repeatedly expressed concerns about the proximity of schools and senior citizen…

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June 10, 2025
Key Differences in The New Proposed Josephine County Charter
Charter / County Politics / Local News / Local Politics

Key Differences in The New Proposed Josephine County Charter

There are a couple of key differences in the newly proposed Josephine County Charter. First, the county would no longer be designated as an "agent of the state," but rather as a "body politic." This change would allow the county greater autonomy and freedom/flexibility in how it governs itself. Second, it would require candidates to file by political party, but it does not mandate a partisan-style election, as all voters would still be able to…

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June 9, 2025
What Does It Truly Mean to Be a Republican?
City Politics / County Politics / Local News / Local Politics / National Politics / State Politics

What Does It Truly Mean to Be a Republican?

In today’s complex political climate, we must ask: what truly defines someone as a Republican or a Democrat? Is it simply party registration, or is it a matter of values, convictions, and consistent support for a party’s principles? This is strictly my own observations and my own opinions. I raise this question because, in our own Josephine County, I’ve observed individuals who publicly identify as Republicans, some even seeking leadership roles, yet consistently promote Democratic…

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June 8, 2025
Homeless – Request Q&A Live Session with Our City Leaders
City Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics

Homeless – Request Q&A Live Session with Our City Leaders

Please email Our City Council, Mayor and City Manager urging them to hold a public Questions and Answers forum. Addresses are listed below with a sample letter you can use. You can either:a) Copy the email addresses and letter into your own email app, orb) Click the button below to open a pre-filled email, add your name at the end before sending. Request Live Q&A From Our City Leaders EMail Addresses: MayorCouncil@grantspassoregon.gov, acubic@grantspassoregon.gov Title: Call…

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May 31, 2025