Simon Hare: Qualifications for Josephine County Treasurer

Introduction:Simon Hare is a seasoned public servant with over a decade of direct experience in Josephine County’s fiscal and administrative governance. Having served both as a two-term County Commissioner and as the county’s Budget Officer, Hare possesses a deep institutional understanding of the region’s unique financial challenges. His background combines high-level legislative oversight with the technical, "hands-on" management of public funds, making him a candidate defined by his experience in maintaining essential services under tight…

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Chad Hansen for Commissioner Position 2 – Background

1. HomeBridging and Grant AdministrationHansen is the President of HomeBridging, an organization that works with federal and state grants to improve housing and infrastructure in Josephine County. He is frequently cited in Board of Commissioners meetings for managing funds aimed at:Mobile Home Improvements: Securing and administering grants (often in the hundreds of thousands of dollars) to assist residents outside Grants Pass city limits, particularly in the Illinois Valley.Property Repairs: Facilitating "pure grants" that allow homeowners…

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

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 Challenging…

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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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The Choice: Reformers vs. The Status Quo

Attention Fiscal Conservatives: In Josephine County I find the current political divide deeply concerning. On one side, we have those fighting to maintain the status quo; on the other, we have reformers like John West and Simon Hare who are pushing for accountability and transparency. Financial MismanagementOur county is currently wasting money at an alarming rate. We have department heads earning over $200,000 a year, yet some of them manage only a single employee. This…

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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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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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Public Safety Warning: Oregon Sanctuary Laws Allow Violent Felons to Walk Free

Introduction:After what occurred at the State of the Union, it’s more important than ever that this story be told. The debate over Oregon’s sanctuary status intensified as Senate Democrats recently rejected a proposal aimed at modifying House Bill 3265. Originally passed in 2021, HB 3265 significantly tightened Oregon’s sanctuary laws by prohibiting state agencies from assisting federal immigration authorities. The new Republican-led measure sought to restore communication between state and federal officials specifically regarding the…

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Family Staffers Are Legal. A Shadow First Spouse Office Isn’t – Cronyism

Oregon’s ethics laws are clear, but they are not identical for every branch of government. While some critics point to "double standards" regarding family members in the Capitol, the reality is a matter of established law versus executive overreach. I wonder how many people know that state representatives and senators are within legal rights to have family members working for them, the Governor is not afforded the same legal rights. The Legislative Standard (ORS 244.177)Oregon…

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