BASIC SERVICES

The primary purpose of government, at any level, is to provide for the safety of its citizens and their property.  Locally, we are talking about law enforcement, the jail, the district attorney’s office, the juvenile detention facility, and fire protection in all areas. The current tax paid by the citizens does not come anywhere close to meeting these needs.  Some areas have adequate fire protection; the city has a police dept. But the entire criminal justice system is woefully under funded.

FUNDING FOR BASIC SERVICES

All potential  funding sources must be explored. There is no magic wand that can be waived to produce a pot of gold.  Congress may renew county payments and should be pressured to do so.  BLM must return to managing our forests   (cutting, thinning, brush removal) and provide the county with some revenues.  If all outside sources fail to materialize, the level of basic services in Josephine County will be determined by the citizens at the ballot box.

Commissioners must work together to get the maximum mileage out of our limited resources. Three leaders going in different directions accomplishes nothing and creates a lack of confidence on the part of the citizens. Commissioners need to set policy, prepare future plans, seek out sources of funding, maintain contacts with state and federal governments, work on budgets, and be available to the citizens of the county. This is not accomplished by attempting to micro-manage the day to day operations of the individual departments.

LIBRARIES

Libraries are a very important part of any community. To many, they rank in importance with parks, ball fields, good schools, senior services, and transportation.  The county needs to get its libraries open and operating at reasonable levels.

COMMISSIONER SALARIES

Under the current system of county government, the commissioners earn their salary. If the county were to move to a county administrator system of management, I would recommend a part time board of 5 elected commissioners working at half pay.  This would provide for more professional management of daily operations, and also give more representation to the citizens.