Why does Spectrum appear to hold such a powerful and unchecked grip on internet broadband services in Josephine County? Why are so few alternative providers being allowed to enter the market? And where, exactly, is the broadband grant funding that was once so proudly promised by former Commissioner John West, his political ally Simon Hare, and the county’s own IT director, Michael Sellers?
These are just a few of the growing number of questions that citizens, small business owners, and underserved residents across the county are demanding answers to. And so far, the response has been resounding silence.
Once touted as a vital step forward in modernizing rural internet access, a much-publicized broadband expansion plan—backed by federal and state funds—was expected to help connect remote communities like Cave Junction and Selma. Yet, years later, many of those same communities are still struggling with slow or nonexistent internet service. What happened to the expansion? Why are families, students, and home-based businesses in these rural regions still operating in digital darkness?
Further complicating matters is the fate of an estimated $200,000 in allocated funding intended for the Josephine Community Library. This additional broadband grant, which was also tied to digital infrastructure and public access initiatives, was to be managed and distributed by IT Manager, Michael Sellers. However, there is no clear record of where the money went—or whether it was ever spent on its intended purpose. Both library officials and county representatives remain in the dark, offering no explanations and maintaining a troubling silence.
In the meantime, residents say Spectrum continues to dominate the local broadband market, offering limited options and ever-rising prices while smaller, competitive providers struggle to gain a foothold. Many are now asking: was this monopoly allowed to happen by design?
Our ongoing investigation is revealing troubling patterns of behind-the-scenes deals and unanswered public records requests, raising significant concerns about transparency, oversight, and accountability. While Josephine County officials have frequently dismissed citizen inquiries as misinformed or overstated, it is becoming clear that this is not a case of misunderstanding—it’s a case of neglect, and potentially much more.
The people of Josephine County deserve answers, not excuses. They deserve competition, not captivity. And above all, they deserve public officials who uphold their promises, rather than protect private interests behind closed doors.
This is more than just a question of missing funds and slow internet. This is a matter of public trust—and that trust is running out.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we begin unveiling the results of our investigation. We’re delving deep into the broadband grant trail, uncovering the mystery surrounding a missing $150,000 federal grant that appears to have vanished. Additionally, we are closely examining the $200,000 library grant fund and investigating the connections between Josephine County leadership and Spectrum. Stay with us as we peel back the layers of this complex story.
The silence is over. The people are watching. And the truth is coming to light.
If you have information related to this investigation, or any others contact our newsroom confidentially at john@grantspasstribune.com. Your voice matters.