After sending identical questions to every declared candidate for Josephine County Commissioner, following up, and allowing ample time for response, the Grants Pass Tribune has received what appears to be the final submission of this election cycle. Several candidates chose not to respond at all. In a race defined by concerns over transparency, accountability, and public trust, that silence does not go unnoticed. For voters paying attention, the absence of answers may carry as much weight as the answers themselves.
Colene Martin provided detailed responses to the Grants Pass Tribune’s standardized questionnaire, part of a broader effort to present voters with a clear, side-by-side understanding of each candidate’s positions. The same set of questions was distributed uniformly to every declared candidate, without edits, additions, or preferential framing, ensuring a level playing field. This consistent approach was designed to give the public a transparent view into how each candidate defines their priorities, approaches leadership, and intends to govern if elected.
Below are the full questions, followed by Martin’s responses, presented in her own words with only minor grammatical corrections for clarity.
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?
“My campaign is centered on balanced and steady leadership, integrity, and practical solutions. I stepped into this role because, as a community leader for many years, I have learned what makes our community the special place it is. I care deeply about the place I grew up in.
My top priorities are public safety, ensuring law enforcement and emergency services are supported; fiscal responsibility, managing taxpayer dollars wisely and transparently while going to the taxpayers for any increases; and economic stability, supporting local businesses and responsible growth within our government body.”
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?
“Restoring trust starts with consistency, transparency, and professionalism.
I believe the three current commissioners are off to a good start. We are a month into working together and catching up on the turbulent months prior. We all have a different style, and respecting each other is part of the trust building process. We do not always agree, but we respect each other’s opinions. To the public, we must communicate clearly and regularly, ensure meetings and decisions are on time, open, and understandable, and treat staff, colleagues, and citizens with respect. Trust is rebuilt through actions over time, not just words alone.”
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?
“My decisions are guided by accountability to the taxpayers, prioritizing essential services first, and focusing on long term sustainability over short term fixes. For far too long, we have only budgeted for the next year. I would like to see a longer range plan for budgeting and planning. It is difficult to do that when most of our budget is based on income for services from state and some federal dollars. It would be easier to budget on a two year cycle with supplemental budgets throughout the term.”
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?
“County positions should be filled based on qualifications, experience, and fairness, not relationships or political party. Since I have been in business leadership roles for many years, it is easy to think about who might be a good candidate for certain jobs within the county. That said, I support clear, transparent hiring processes and accountability in decision making. We currently have good hiring processes in place, they just need to be followed.”
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?
“That is a fair question. There have been some positive efforts in the past, particularly in maintaining services during difficult financial times. However, I believe we can do better by improving transparency, strengthening communication with the public, reducing unnecessary conflict, and working together in our departments in a more collaborative and productive way.
The three current commissioners are working well together and share a commitment to improving how the county operates. We each bring different strengths to our job. While the requirement to collaborate only in public meetings can make discussions longer, we are focused on making steady progress and catching up on what we inherited.”
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?
“I support responsible, locally driven economic development. Our community is a great place to have a small business, whether it is retail, agriculture, services, or a home business. Supporting business is what I have done my entire career. That entails job creation with living wage pay. Any growth needs to respect our rural character and workforce while creating opportunities.
Protecting property rights and natural resources is part of our rural culture. One of the problems we are currently facing is the abuse some lands have experienced from the marijuana rush. Some have been good neighbors, and many have not. The rush itself has stabilized, but it has left neighbors with unsightly messes. We are working on getting effective code enforcement.”
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?
“Communication is key. I believe in respectful, professional dialogue.
Even when there is disagreement, we can listen, stay focused on solutions, and keep conversations productive. Leadership means working with others, even when discussions are difficult.”
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?
“First, be accessible and responsive, listen without preconceived conclusions, and follow through when concerns are raised. We may or may not be able to help, but every resident deserves a voice.”
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?
“Public safety is, and will always be, a top priority. I have supported law enforcement for years, including working on levies and the most recent district. We have come a long way from the days of no patrols and no deputies in our schools, and I will not allow us to take a step backward. Public safety is written into our charter, it is the most basic responsibility of any community.
We will be asking voters to renew the levy within the next year, and I hope our citizens can see the real progress that has been made. Over the past ten years, we have taken steady steps to strengthen law enforcement. We are fortunate to have a strong sheriff and dedicated deputies serving our community.
Equally important is evaluating service gaps across all county departments and identifying responsible ways to fund them. Like everyone else, county government is feeling the effects of inflation, and we are being asked to do more with less. My focus is on making thoughtful decisions to ensure we continue providing essential services.”
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 have experience working with businesses and government, a calm and thoughtful approach to decision making, and a commitment to integrity and accountability. My leadership style is collaborative, respectful, and focused on results and outcomes.”
11. Bonus Question – Ethics, Accountability, and Public Trust
“Honestly, I think I have answered that in most of the questions. It is not a separate issue for me, it is part of everything I do. Ethics, accountability, and public trust are foundational to leadership. I believe in leading with integrity, being transparent, and earning trust through consistent actions over time.”
With Colene Martin’s submission now in hand, her responses appear to close out the Tribune’s outreach to candidates seeking a seat on the Josephine County Board of Commissioners. Despite repeated and equal invitations extended to every declared candidate, no responses were received from John West, Chad Hansen, Mark Seligman, or Alicia Dove. That silence, in contrast to those who chose to engage directly with voters, now becomes part of the public record as the 2026 election season takes shape.
The Tribune’s candidate questionnaire process was designed to provide a level playing field, giving each individual the same opportunity to present their priorities, leadership approach, and vision for the county in their own words. While not every candidate chose to participate, the commitment to transparency remains unchanged.
Beyond the commissioner race, similar questionnaires have also been distributed to candidates seeking the offices of sheriff and county treasurer. As those responses are returned, the Tribune will continue its ongoing coverage, ensuring that voters across Josephine County have access to clear, consistent, and comprehensive information as they prepare to make decisions that will shape the direction of their community.