Last week, the candidates for the Josephine County Board of Commissioners gathered for a forum that offered insights into the upcoming election and the key issues facing the community. The candidates, listed alphabetically, included Chris Barnett and Colene Martin for Position 2, and Pat Fahey and Ron Smith for Position 3. The forum highlighted a sharp contrast in approaches to addressing the county’s governance and priorities.
The Position 3 race has drawn significant attention, as Pat Fahey and Ron Smith vie for the seat being vacated by Herman Baertschiger Jr., who plans to step down this year. Fahey, a longtime Grants Pass resident and active community leader, emphasized his commitment to improving county government by tackling corruption and waste. Drawing on his experience with the Josephine County Library and Rogue Community College, he proposed practical solutions aimed at enhancing transparency and redirecting funds to support vital services. Fahey criticized the current administration for mismanagement, suggesting that funds have been misallocated, particularly with regard to the sheriff’s department and other critical public safety resources.
Smith, however, offered a different approach. His responses often appeared to lack clarity, and at times, he deferred responsibility to the sheriff’s department when discussing crime and policing policies. Smith suggested that the sheriff’s department should bear a greater role in addressing these concerns, but provided few specifics on how he would facilitate improvements or fund necessary changes. His reluctance to take a strong stance on issues such as public safety drew criticism from both his opponents and forum attendees.
For Position 2, the race features Chris Barnett and Colene Martin, who also displayed divergent views on the county’s priorities. Barnett frequently cited his extensive work experience, including his past role in “law enforcement”, and the various other positions he currently holds. He argued for the creation of a volunteer sheriff’s posse as a solution to bolster law enforcement efforts. However, his proposal was met with skepticism, given the county’s history of budget cuts to the sheriff’s department. Critics questioned how Barnett would fund such an initiative without compromising other essential services, and some pointed to his alignment with Commissioner John West as a sign that he may continue the current administration’s contentious policies.
Colene Martin, in contrast, presented herself as a voice of reason, offering well-considered solutions to many of the county’s pressing problems. She advocated for a more balanced approach to budget management and took a firm stance against excessive spending, such as the controversial IT budget. Martin argued that the funds could be better utilized to enhance the sheriff’s department, a position that resonated with many in the audience. While she avoided getting too deep into the weeds of law enforcement policies, Martin’s pragmatic outlook on fiscal responsibility won her praise from attendees who have grown weary of the county’s financial woes.
Throughout the forum, Fahey and Martin stood out for their detailed responses and their willingness to challenge the status quo. Both candidates voiced concerns about ethical violations within the current administration and expressed a desire to bring fresh perspectives to county governance. In contrast, Smith and Barnett struggled to articulate clear policy positions, often defaulting to vague criticisms of existing departments rather than offering concrete solutions.
The forum made it clear that Josephine County voters are at a crossroads. The upcoming election presents a choice between candidates who advocate for significant change and those who appear more aligned with existing practices. Whether residents prefer to see a continuation of the current path or a bold new direction will shape the future of the county.
As the election approaches, the stakes are high. Voters will have to decide whether to endorse the approaches proposed by Barnett or Martin for Position 2, and Fahey or Smith for Position 3. The decisions made at the ballot box will determine the trajectory of county policies on public safety, budget management, and governance reform.