Local News

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
The Community Deserves the Truth About the Homeless Lawsuit
City Politics / Homeless / Lawsuit / Local News

The Community Deserves the Truth About the Homeless Lawsuit

The community deserves to know the truth about how, why, and when the current homeless lawsuit began. This lawsuit originated under the previous administration, and regardless of what anyone claims, it would have happened no matter who was elected. There are documented records dating back to that administration, including correspondence from Disability Rights Oregon (DRO), as well as news coverage detailing the issue. When the prior administration established these camps, they were warned about potential…

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June 14, 2025
Urgent Action Needed: SB 83 Wildfire Map Repeal at Risk
Local News / State Politics / Wildfire Map

Urgent Action Needed: SB 83 Wildfire Map Repeal at Risk

The Wildfire Map Repeal Bill, SB 83, is currently being held up in the legislature. With only about two weeks remaining before adjournment, time is running out. If SB 83 is not allowed a vote or is voted down, the opportunity to repeal the wildfire map legislation will be lost.We urge you to contact the Rules Committee immediately and ask them to allow a vote to move SB 83 forward. Your voice can make a…

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June 11, 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
Homeless: Repeal HB3115 – Call To Action
Homeless / Local News / Local Politics / State Politics

Homeless: Repeal HB3115 – Call To Action

Legal Definition of HB 3115 and Background of HB3115:HB 3115 is the legislative name, the Oregon Revised Statues name is (ORS) 195.530 is the actual written out law for HB 3115. Background: HB3115 was signed into law by Governor Brown in 2021. HB3115 was sponsored by Rep Tina Kotek (our current governor) back in 2021. Noncamping use of public property by homeless individuals (written out law of HB3115):https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_195.530And to quote a section from the law:“Any…

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May 23, 2025
Keep It Small: A Path for Addressing Homelessness in Grants Pass
City Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics / State Politics

Keep It Small: A Path for Addressing Homelessness in Grants Pass

Grants Pass needs real, effective solutions to our worsening homeless crisis, not the beginnings of a never-ending "homeless industrial complex." The Vine Street proposal, which spans almost 8 acres, is exactly the kind of large-scale center that invites long-term dependency and mission creep. The people in charge say it won’t be fully developed and will remain small but we all know, it will grow at some point (more on this issue below). We must instead…

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May 20, 2025
Grants Pass Options For The Homeless and Changeling HB3115 Law
City Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics / State Politics

Grants Pass Options For The Homeless and Changeling HB3115 Law

What Options Does Grants Pass Have Regarding the Homelessness Issue?1) Maintain the Current Unmanaged Homeless Campsites. This option continues to negatively impact our town, community, and tourism. It creates serious problems for local businesses and contributes to rising crime rates. This must not be a long term option. 2) Shut Down the Camps Without Providing Designated Areas Under Oregon state law (HB 3115), this would likely result in lawsuits and further court injunctions. The city…

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May 17, 2025