Our Local Economy and how to improve it: We have some great minds here in Josephine County and it’s time we brought them together and build our economy. I have been pitched many ideas for businesses that we could focus our efforts on that will boost are economic growth. We have the brains, the drive,
The Facade of Politics – by: Mark Jones Have you ever felt the sinking disappointment of stepping into a store that seemed posh and inviting from the outside, only to find its interior disheveled and neglected? It’s a deflating experience, leaving us disillusioned and let down. But imagine if this disappointment extended beyond shopping and
Homelessness: As we all can see by just driving through Grants Pass, Josephine County has a homeless issue. I know there are variables outside our control that perpetuate this condition we find ourselves in, but there is something we can do to mitigate it. Our predicament of homelessness persists as a persistent stain on our
Measure 110 and its effects on Josephine County – The following is taken from an August 29th report by KGW8 NBC, “A survey by Emerson College Polling found 56% of voters want the drug decriminalization and treatment measure repealed completely. Emerson surveyed 1,000 Oregon registered voters over the course of two days earlier this month
Fire district(s) for unprotected/under served areas: Since I have been back to my hometown of Grants Pass, I have been involved with the fire service delivery in all of Josephine County. I have worked with citizen groups to get a fire district formed to cover the 350 square miles of Josephine County that has been
Law Enforcement: We need adequate Law Enforcement. This can be accomplished with additional Sheriff’s patrol deputies and Sheriff detectives. The law enforcement service district that passed in November will do just that. This district will increase the safety and security of our communities even though it is not going to give us the level of
Workforce Housing: we need homes that our working class citizens can afford to purchase. The median income per capita for Josephine County is $32,159.00 (2022) and our current median owner occupied dwelling is $353,800.00 (2022). For example only, a household income of $70,000.00 with only $500.00 in monthly obligations can only afford to purchase a
If you’re like me, you have a strong dislike for individuals who pretend to care but actually prioritize their own interests. It’s important to remember that people’s opinions and experiences with politics can vary greatly. However, some common reasons why people may develop a dislike for politics and self-serving individuals in politics include: 1. Lack
My Thoughts on managing our forests by: Mark Jones I have been asked many times on my position about protecting forests. Mostly by those who would like to leave the forests alone and let them become overgrown. I have mentioned to them that thinning those forest lands will keep them healthy and give them some
At the November 28th Board of County Commissioner’s legal meeting, the board discussed making changes to Article 76 of Title 19. Title 19 is the County Code that addresses Rural Land Development (click here to view code). As I listened to what they were planning I drew some concerns and decided to share them to
