The Grants Pass Tribune recently reached out to candidates running for county commissioner with a standardized questionnaire designed to give readers a direct look at how those seeking office think about the challenges facing the county.
Each candidate received the same eleven questions covering topics that residents frequently raise in public meetings and community discussions. The questions focused on issues such as government transparency, budgeting, hiring practices, economic development, leadership, and ethics in public office.
James Rafferty, a candidate for the Josephine County Board of Commissioners, submitted the following responses. Minor grammatical corrections have been made for clarity, but Rafferty’s answers remain otherwise unchanged.
1. What is the central platform of your campaign? What specific issues motivated you to run for Josephine County Commissioner, and what are the top three priorities you would pursue if elected?
“No issues.
- Encourage the BCC to hold bi-monthly evening alternating business board meetings in Wolf Creek and Cave Junction.
- Encourage the BCC to hold bi-weekly town-hall type meetings within the 47 precincts to allow the citizens to air any concerns or grievances to a single commissioner.
- Look into having a Justice of the Peace court.”
2. Public trust in county government has been strained in recent years. What steps would you take to restore transparency, professionalism, and public confidence in the Josephine County Board of Commissioners?
“Reference question answer 1,2.
I believe that the BCC represent Josephine County 24/7 in their attire, demeanor and conduct by setting an example.”
3. County commissioners oversee millions of taxpayer dollars and shape the county budget. What principles will guide your budgeting decisions, and how will you ensure fiscal responsibility while maintaining essential services for residents?
“The Home Rule Charter, ORS’s and Oregon Constitution.”
4. Hiring practices within county government have been the subject of public debate. If elected, will you commit to avoiding the hiring of close friends, family members, or political allies for county positions, and what safeguards would you support to ensure merit-based hiring?
“Josephine County HR hires. Should I be needed to recommend an employee I would without bias.”
5. How do you believe the current and previous Boards of Commissioners have performed? What decisions or actions do you believe were handled well, and what would you have done differently?
“I think the current and the past commissioners did the best they could.
Not being a commissioner at the time or have all the facts, all I could do is second guess what was done, and I do not do that. If and when I did have a problem, I would attend the meeting.”
6. Commissioners frequently influence policy affecting land use, rural development, and economic growth. What is your vision for responsible economic development in Josephine County, and how would you balance growth with protection of the county’s rural character and natural resources?
“Open-Up the forests and start harvesting timber products.
By using selective timber cutting practices.”
7. Political divisions and accusations of political bullying have become common topics in county government. How would you work with fellow commissioners, staff, and community members who strongly disagree with you?
“By Listening and being respectful. I am very congenial with everyone, specifically the public.”
8. County commissioners often serve as the bridge between citizens and government departments. How would you ensure that residents feel heard and represented, particularly those who believe county leadership has ignored their concerns?
“Again; reference question answer 1,2.”
9. Josephine County faces ongoing challenges related to housing, infrastructure, public safety, and economic opportunity. Which of these issues do you believe deserves the most urgent attention, and what practical steps would you take in your first year in office?
“Reference question answer 6.
BCC position 2 is an interim 2 year term. So I say economic opportunity.”
10. Leadership matters as much as policy. What qualities make you the right person to serve as a Josephine County Commissioner, and how will your leadership style differ from what voters have seen in recent years?
“I meet all the candidate requirements, administrator of my business finances for over 30 years.
Over the years I have honed my multitasking, problem solving and organizational skills.
By being congenial.”
11. Bonus Question – Ethics, Accountability, and Public Trust
Public confidence in government depends heavily on ethical leadership and accountability. If elected, how would you respond if you discovered corruption within a county department or within the Board of Commissioners itself?
“If I discover corruption, conflicts of interest or unethical behavior in any form, by any official, I would take proper legal action, including notifying the public.
If elected I will Ethically, Morally and Honorably conduct myself 24/7 for the term. Which is no problem for me, I live that way anyway.
Not being a Politician or a Bureaucrat or an Opportunist I will view all sides of a question. But if I do make a mistake it will be on the side of freedom.
I shall set the example.”
The Grants Pass Tribune will continue publishing responses from candidates seeking local office in Josephine County as they are received, allowing readers to compare viewpoints and learn more about the individuals asking for their vote in the upcoming election.