In the News
JCFA filed a Request for Investigation of Election Laws Violations Committed by Jackson County Commissioners ...
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Rogue Valley Times - 05/18/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Peter Toogood
Commissioners’ salaries an issue
Current commissioners Colleen Roberts and Rick Dyer could see their salaries increase to $150,009.60 starting this July 1.
Rogue Valley Times - 05/17/2024 - Letter to the Editor, John Enders
We read a lot of election letters for this candidate or that, this measure or that one.
Rogue Valley Times - 05/16/2024 - Letter to the Editor, H. Sirah
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners needs restructuring for fair, effective representation of all voters.
Rogue Valley Times - 05/15/2024
One week before Jackson County primary, voter turnout 'very, very slow'
Clerk talks election security, expects less than half of ballots will be returned, says presidential primary the 'weirdest' she's seen
Rogue Valley Times - 05/11/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Michael Sawicky
Nonaffiliated are disenfranchised
Excuse me. Or as they used to say to invoke inflection, Excuuuuuusssse Me!
Jefferson Public Radio - 05/07/2024
Jackson and Josephine counties will vote on measures to restructure county government
Voters’ decisions on ballot measures in the May 21 primary could have big impacts on the structure and function of Josephine and Jackson county governments.
Rogue Valley Times - 05/06/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Alberto Enriquez
Election signs that provoke belly laughs? Thank our trio of part-timers, Jackson County’s commissioners.
Rogue Valley Times - 05/06/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Beverly Vondra
I listened to the audio presentation of the Jackson County Commissioners staff meeting on Thursday, March 28 ...
Rogue Valley Times - 05/04/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Harry Foster
The proposed election Measures 15-224, 15-225 and 15-226 are intended to change the office of county
commissioner ...
Jefferson Public Radio - 05/02/2024
The Jackson County Commissioner measures: the case for change
Three county commissioners, all elected from political parties, all earning six-figure salaries.
Rogue Valley Times - 05/02/2024
Jackson County commissioner pay rivals that of other Oregon counties
Salaries a contentious issue; newly approved increases to take effect in July
Rogue Valley Times - 04/29/2024
OREGON PRIMARY: County commissioners ballot measures hit political divide
Jackson County for All seeks to increase commissioner seats from three to five, make them nonpartisan, cut salaries to $75,000
Rogue Valley Times - 04/18/2024
Elected officials' salary committee discusses 4.6% raises, county surveyor's second job
Scott Fein claims his work for Curry County since last summer is 'no secret,' but it caught salary board by surprise
Rogue Valley Times - 04/18/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Brent Thompson
Nonaffiliated voters still have time to register for primary
There is still time for non-affiliated voters to choose a party for the May primary election.
Rogue Valley Times - 04/10/2024
Jackson County administrator presents $640-million recommended budget
It represents a 4.7% increase from the current fiscal year; personnel costs make up brunt of expenses in projected spending plan
Rogue Valley Times - 03/18/2024
Candidate drops out, Krause unopposed for Dem commissioner nomination
With the withdrawal of one of two candidates, the race for Jackson County's Democratic nominee in the race for county commissioner will be uncontested.
Rogue Valley Times - 03/15/2024
Lineup of Medford Republicans and Democrats runs for county commissioner seat
Three Medford Republicans and two Democrats have lined up to run for the Jackson County commissioner seat now held by Dave Dotterrer.
Jefferson Public Radio - 03/14/2024
A local citizens’ group had requested that an investigation be conducted into county leadership for their handling of upcoming county ballot measures.
Rogue Valley Times - 03/14/2024 - Letter to the Editor, John Littleton
Commissioners measures forum proved worthwhile for all
Thank you to Jackson County for All and to those who attended the town hall at the Medford Library.
KDRV Newwatch 12 - 03/13/2024
Denise Krause to run for Jackson County Commissioner
Denise Krause -- one of the heads of the "Jackson County For All" movement that pushed three ballot measures to restructure the Jackson County Commissioners Office -- is running for commissioner herself.
KOBI News - 03/13/2024
‘Jackson County for All’ signatures verified, will be on May ballot
Jackson County for All is reacting to it successfully making the May ballot.
KDRV Newwatch 12 - 03/13/2024
State declines Jackson County investigation for group's election law complaint
Jackson County Administrator Danny Jordan is sharing the decision today by Oregon Secretary of State's Office to not open an investigation into him and the County's Board of Commissioners.
Rogue Valley Times - 03/11/2024
County commissioner ballot measures qualify for May 21 primary election
Voters will decide whether to expand board, lower commissioners' salaries and make positions nonpartisan
KDRV Newwatch 12 - 03/11/2024
'Jackson County for All' initiatives approved for May ballot
The three petitions proposed by the group "Jackson County For All" have officially been approved, and will be on the ballot this May.
Rogue Valley Times - 03/08/2024
Ballot organizers: County 'inflated' cost estimate for commissioners expansion
Jackson County for All offers alternative numbers at town hall
Rogue Valley Times - 03/07/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Mary Sinclair
Experience on a five-member county board proved its value
Here’s a personal perspective on the current effort to restructure the Jackson County Board of Commissioners.
Rogue Valley Times - 03/07/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Michael Sawicky
Measures not the same in Jackson, Josephine counties
I would like to offer a correction and clarification to an issue addressed in a letter to the editor.
KOBI News - 03/06/2024
‘Jackson County For All’ Town Hall update
Jackson County For All currently has three measures on the upcoming May ballot.
KOBI News - 03/05/2024
Jackson County officials responding to election law allegations
Jackson County’s administrator is responding after the board of commissioners was accused of violating election law and the county was sent a cease and desist letter.
Rogue Valley Times - 03/05/2024
Jackson County staff attorney refutes elections law violation allegations
Chief petitioner for Jackson County for All, which is promoting three ballot measures on county commissioner makeup, also has requested a state investigation
Jefferson Public Radio - 03/05/2024
Citizen group claims Jackson County violated elections law by opposing ballot measures
The nonpartisan group Jackson County For All of Us is requesting that the Oregon Secretary of State investigate county leadership.
KDRV Newwatch 12 - 03/04/2024
Jackson County for All has confirmed a request they sent to the Secretary of State’s Office to investigate alleged election law violations by the Jackson County Commissioners, administrator and counsel.
Rogue Valley Times - Poll Results - 03/03/2024
County commissioners ballot measures: A salary decrease if the board expands?
Over these three weeks, we'll use our online poll to address each of the ballot measures that propose changes ...
Rogue Valley Times - Our View - 03/02/2024
Election enters a new phase, and so does our letters policy
As we have from time to time, during this first year and change as a news outlet ...
KOBI News - 03/01/2024
“Jackson County For All” requesting state to investigate co. commissioners
“Jackson County For All” is asking the Secretary of State’s office to investigate Jackson County Commissioners for potentially violating state election laws.
Rogue Valley Times - Featured - 03/01/2024
Chief petitioner for ballot measures accuses Jackson County of elections law violations
Denise Krause of Jackson County for All sends cease and desist letter, plans to request state investigation; no response yet from county officials
Rogue Valley Times - 02/29/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Karen F. Shrader
Commissioner measures could have detrimental effects
I'm writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed change of increasing the number of Jackson County Commissioners from three to five.
Rogue Valley Times - 02/29/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Sue Kupillas
Former commissioner: County offices don't need expansion
These are my thoughts on the commissioner ballot measures. As a former commissioner ...
Rogue Valley Times - 02/29/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Laura Ahearn
County can afford change that comes with ballot measures
That only three commissioners would govern Jackson County was decided in 1853 when the territorial census counted only 1,506 humans (ignoring Native Americans) and 930 white male voters.
Rogue Valley Times - 02/27/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Linda Barnett
Commissioners, administrator should get priorities straight
County Administrator Danny Jordan is trying to dissuade the voters from increasing the number of commissioners from three to five. He uses a potential monetary tax increase as his argument.
Rogue Valley Times - 02/27/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Sally Edwards
Commissioners object to expanded board for financial reasons
It is unfair for taxpayers to pay a salary of two and a half times that of a working individual in Jackson County to a county commissioner.
Rogue Valley Times - 02/22/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Beverly Vondra
Urban elite’ commissioners don’t represent the majority
Why are the Jackson County Commissioners scrambling so hard and exploiting taxpayer-paid employees and resources ...
Rogue Valley Times - 02/22/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Kathryn Brooks
Additional costs are small price to pay to change board
I proudly helped gather signatures on the three ballot measure petitions that were circulated by Jackson County For All ...
Rogue Valley Times - 02/22/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Alan Journet
Only three commissioners aren’t enough to serve valley
In 1852, when Jackson County was established, the population was under 4,000 ...
KOBI News - 02/21/2024
Petition submitted to get residents to vote on adding 2 more commissioners
Jackson County voters may soon get the chance to change how the county operates.
KOBI News - 02/21/2024
Jackson County organization files grievance against board of commissioners
The group behind three ballot measures in Jackson County is filing a grievance against the county’s board of commissioners.
Rogue Valley Times - 02/20/2024
Jackson County For All submits 34,945 petition signatures
Jackson County For All on Tuesday celebrated the rapid work of 198 volunteers and 14 coordinators ...
Daily Courier - 02/20/2024
Group says it has enough signatures to get Jackson County charter measures on ballot
A group that wants to make Jackson County government nonpartisan said Monday it has enough signatures ...
Daily Courier - 02/16/2024
Tension over charter proposal at meeting of Jackson County commissioners
Ballot measures that would restructure the way government works in both Jackson County and Josephine County ...
Jefferson Public Radio - 02/16/2024
Proposal to redesign Jackson County board of commissioners qualifies for May ballot
The group Jackson County of All of Us has proposed restructuring the local Board of Commissioners’ positions.
Ashland News - 02/16/2024
Administrator: Jackson County for All initiatives would cost county hundreds of thousands
Danny Jordan said he wanted to dispel claims he’s heard that expanding to five county commissioners would not lead to added costs; Jackson County For All rep says group has been ‘completely transparent’
Rogue Valley Times - 02/15/2024
Jackson County commissioner ballot measures hit their signature target
Jackson County for All has gathered enough signatures to qualify for May primary
KOBI News - 02/16/2024
Group wants extra Jackson County commissioners on ballot
A local group is still moving forward with its initiative and hopes to qualify for the May ballot to change how Jackson County is run.
Up Close with Peter Sage - 02/14/2024
Charter Update Group meets petition goal
Jackson County for All initiative logs in over 10,700 signatures -- 3,300 more than the required number.
Daily Courier - 02/07/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Laura Ahearn
Government reform is needed in Jackson County
Arguments in favor of passing the three grassroots initiatives to reform Jackson County government keep mounting
KSKQ Radio - 02/01/2024
Life Matters with Renee Miereanu
Denise Krause talks about the ballot measures to change the way the Jackson County Board of Commissioners operates
KDRV News - 01/30/2024
The Jackson County For All ballot measure initiatives have 88% of the required signatures to get on the May 2024 ballot
Rogue Valley Times - 02/01/2024 - Letter to the Editor, John Enders
Support measures to change Board of Commissioners
As a former reporter and editor who covered the Jackson County commissioners for a number of years, I've seen ...
Daily Courier - 01/24/2024
Petitioners seeking change to Jackson County charter, structure of government
Members of a grassroots group called Jackson County For All were canvassing outside the store ...
Rogue Valley Times - 01/19/2024 - Guest column, Peter Sage
Partisanship keeps candidates from running
A recent Rogue Valley Times editorial noted that no Democrat has yet announced a plan to run for a position on the Jackson County Board of Commissioners.
Rogue Valley Times - 01/18/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Laura Ahearn
Commissioners show why we need nonpartisan board
Jackson County commissioners convene their weekly staff meetings ...
Rogue Valley Times - 01/10/2024
Group promoting county commissioner ballot initiatives now targets May primary
An accelerated timeline could send a trio of ballot measures to the May primary election
Up Close with Peter Sage - 01/09/2024
Charter Update: Signatures Top 8,000
The Jackson County, Oregon charter-update group now leans toward a May election.
Rogue Valley Times - 01/06/2024 - Letter to the Editor, Marilyn Hawkins
Consider county commissioners motivations on petition drive
Been following the local news lately? You’ve no doubt heard of the Jackson County for All petition drive.
KDRV News - 12/29/2023
Group petitions change for Jackson County Commissioners
Rogue Valley Times - 12/29/2023
On the Rogue Valley's horizon for 2024
A look ahead - Proposed restructuring of the Board of Commissioners
KDRV.Com - 12/28/2023
Petitions filed against Jackson County Board of Commissioners
Three petitions could change the way the Jackson County Board of Commissioners looks and operates.
Rogue Valley Times - 12/11/2023 - Letter to the Editor, John Felling
Commissioner’s column was dressed up with ‘nonsense’
Rogue Valley Times - 12/08/2023 - Guest column, Bill Thorndike Jr.
Commissioners structure outdated, exclusive
As a lifelong valley resident, I have watched the Jackson County Board of Commissioners with interest.
Rogue Valley Times - 12/07/2023 - Letter to the Editor, Bev Vondra
Board of Commissioners needs to have more voices
Rogue Valley Times - 12/04/2023 - Guest column, David Gilmore
Expanded, nonpartisan board best for our county
I respectfully must disagree with Commissioner Dave Dotterrer’s assessment on the structure of our county’s Board of Commissioners.
Rogue Valley Times - 12/04/2023 - Letter to the Editor, Peter Toogood
Disagreements on commissioners
Expanded commissioners board could represent us all
Up Close with Peter Sage - 11/26/2023
Update - Jackson County Counsel: It's on me.
Up Close with Peter Sage - 11/25/2023
District Attorney backs charter-update group
Beth Heckert, Jackson County District Attorney, tells Jackson County to offer fee discount.
Up Close with Peter Sage - 11/25/2023
The County is sticking to its position.
The county says the charter-change group isn't "media" and couldn't widely disseminate the information on commissioner salaries.
Up Close with Peter Sage - 11/24/2023
Jackson County, Oregon raises the question: What is "media" anymore? Jackson County is drawing attention to county commissioner "salary creep."
Up Close with Peter Sage - 11/23/2023
Jackson County resists sharing Commissioner salary data
County charges charter-change group $284.64. Message to citizens: the county has something to hide.
Up Close with Peter Sage - 11/19/2023
I don't fear opposition to the Jackson County, Oregon charter change proposals. The opposition will backfire.
Up Close with Peter Sage - 11/18/2023
The petition drive to update the Jackson County charter hits halfway point.
Press Release - 11/13/2023
Petition for District Attorney's Review of Denial of Records Request and Denial of Waiver
Public Records Request to Jackson County for County Commissioner Salary information
We are facing obstacles trying to obtain public information on commissioner salary data from Jackson County through the public records request process. A Petition for Review and Memorandum with supporting information was submitted to the Jackson County District Attorney.
Rogue Valley Times - 10/19/2023
League of Women Voters to explain election-reform measures.
Rogue Valley Times - 10/17/2023
An effort is underway to ask voters in 2024 to increase the number of Jackson County commissioners from three to five and make the elected office nonpartisan.
Jefferson Public Radio - 09/19/2023
Campaign to change Jackson County government aims for November 2024 vote
Denise Krause and Dave Gilmour about an effort to add two seats to Jackson County Commission.
Jefferson Public Radio - 09/18/2023
Josephine County political activists propose changes
Rogue Valley Times - 09/16/2023
Three initiatives aim to shake up county commission
Signatures will be gathered starting Monday for a trio of voter initiatives that could change the look and function of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners.
Jefferson Public Radio - 07/11/2023
Effort underway to restructure Jackson County Board of Commissioners
The final decision could go before voters next fall in the form of three ballot measures.