Imagine, if you will, a county teeming with opportunity, where the promise of moderate to high-paying jobs beckons, where housing is abundant, new businesses breathe life into once-vacant spaces, and the streets pulse with the vibrant energy of people reveling in the multitude of restaurants and shops that adorn every corner. This is the portrait of a truly prosperous county, one where the Sheriff’s Office stands fully staffed, ensuring round-the-clock patrol across the sprawling 1641 square miles of Josephine County. Picture a Sheriff’s Office equipped with a complete detective unit and a dedicated team of community support personnel, ready to address any challenge that may arise. In this utopian county, fully staffed fire protection districts dot the landscape, safeguarding populated areas against the threat of any hazard that may come their way.
This vision, this dream, is what I hold dear for our beloved home. But how do we transform this dream into reality? Some may jump to the conclusion that it requires an increase in taxes, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The truth is that our current tax rates are adequate; what we lack is broader participation in tax contribution. By focusing on attracting more residents, businesses, and investments, we can bolster our tax base, thereby ensuring a steady influx of revenue to support essential services such as the Sheriff’s Office and local fire districts.
To entice people and businesses to Josephine County, we must first cultivate an environment of safety and security. Fortunately, our recent budget approval includes provisions for additional Sheriff Deputies, reinforcing our commitment to community safety. However, we cannot overlook the crucial need for robust fire protection. This could be achieved through the implementation of an ordinance that establishes Standards for Private Fire Service Providers, ensuring that even those areas currently outside of fire district coverage receive adequate protection.
While we strive to fortify our county’s safety net, we must also turn our attention to the pressing issue of housing. Initiatives like the development of workforce housing by Home Bridging in Cave Junction represent a step in the right direction. Moreover, the Illinois Valley holds tremendous potential for economic growth, particularly in the realm of light industrial businesses. With the necessary infrastructure support—such as the implementation of water and sewer systems—we can attract investors and foster job creation, thereby bolstering our economic landscape.
But there’s more to our county’s potential. The Airport, nestled within the Illinois Valley, presents a significant opportunity for growth and development. By continuing the installation of a larger fuel tank, overseen by our current County Commissioners, we can enhance the airport’s capabilities, potentially increasing traffic in and out. This, in turn, could attract new hangars and job opportunities, further stimulating economic growth.
As we embark on this journey toward prosperity, we must unite as a community and demand action from our commissioners. It is imperative that they prioritize the creation of a safe and secure environment, lend their support to crucial infrastructure projects, including those at the airport, and actively facilitate the development of affordable, workforce housing. Together, we have the power to shape the future of our county and transform it into an even more exceptional place to call home.
