Richard Emmons 
17-116 – Replacement of Josephine County Charter Measure 17-116 would replace the existing Josephine County Charter with an entirely new charter. The charter language covers five full pages in the voters’ pamphlet. It would be more pages, but the proposed charter removes Josephine County’s “Bill of Rights,” which include parental rights, protection of speech and religion, due process under asset …
Measure 8-114 – Tax Levy for Curry County Law Enforcement Measure 18-114 is a proposed 5-year property tax levy in Curry County. The levy would increase property taxes by $2.23/$1,000 of assessed property value. The levy is estimated to raise over $8 million each year. The Notice of Measure Election says these funds would allow the Curry County Sherriff’s Office …
Update (3/16/24 1:12PM): The Eagle asked John West why he filed the lawsuit. Here is his reply: “As a commissioner, I represent all of Josephine County citizens. We depend upon honest leaders to represent us in Salem. It was my obligation and duty as a private citizen to do this for our district. There could be serious consequences if the …
In May Josephine County voters will decide whether to keep the existing county charter or replace it with a new county charter by approving Measure 17-116. Among other changes, the proposed charter would increase the number of commissioners from three to five and reduce commissioner compensation to $24,000 per year. “Section 7. COMPENSATION AND COMMISSION EXPENSES. County Commissioners shall serve …
Last month’s ruling on Ballot Measure 114 was a wonderful reminder of the importance of having written Constitutions (state and federal) that are understood and applied. This historic ruling gets right to the point and hits a bull’s eye: “The Harney County Circuit Court is issuing a Permanent Injunction under Oregon Revised Statute 28.020 declaring 2022 Ballot Measure 114 unconstitutional …
Progressive politicians dream of solving social problems with new government programs. The bill for these programs must be paid regardless of whether or not the program actually solves the problem and even when it makes the situation worse. How does this happen? When the economy is rolling and tax receipts rise, progressives add new programs and increase spending for all …
In seven months, students of the Class of 2024 will be celebrating their high school graduation. There will be caps and gowns, smiling pictures taken, valedictorian speeches, grad night parties and many sighs of relief as students graduate and enter the real world. Students will be handed a high school diploma as a success indicator representing 13 years of academic …
I began my college days studying engineering at the United States Naval Academy. “Plebe Summer” was brutal and full of surprises. One of them happened on the academy firing range. I grew up in a home without firearms. Yet in Boy Scouts we had fun shooting rifles, and I earned the Rifle Merit Badge at summer camp. I never used …
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, “Caesar is Lord” was a political reality. Caesar Augustus ruled the known world. Would this ever end? The birth of Jesus was foretold by the prophet Isaiah 700 years before: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name …
Student academic assessment results are better than last school year yet remain well below pre-pandemic levels for English Language Arts and Mathematics. This is true locally and statewide. [For statewide assessment results see “Oregon School Testing” article on page 10.] While students struggle, spending continues to increase, with the Oregon Legislature approving a record $10.2 billion dollars for the Oregon …