In a move that has left many in Josephine County scratching their heads, County Commissioner candidates Chris Barnett and Ron Smith have both declined to participate in an upcoming political debate forum unless they are provided with pre-scripted questions and sufficient time to prepare their answers. This decision undermines the very purpose of such forums, which is to allow the public to see how candidates think on their feet and gauge their genuine understanding of the issues without relying on Google or Alexa.
The forum, organized by a nonpartisan group dedicated to promoting responsible government, was intended to be a platform for open and honest dialogue. The group initially came together with the goal of replacing the county charter, but after that measure failed, they refocused their efforts on this year’s elections. A debate between the commissioner candidates for each position was suggested as a way to give voters a clear view of who they are voting for.
To make the forum even more engaging, the group reached out to Diane Mackin at Grants Pass High School, offering front-row seats to her government class and the opportunity for students to ask the candidates a few questions. Mackin was enthusiastic about the idea, seeing it as a unique educational experience for her students.
The forum is scheduled for September 19th, with the Grants Pass council chambers reserved for the event. Arrangements were made to have Rogue Valley Television (RVTV) live-stream the debates to the group’s YouTube channel, ensuring that even those who couldn’t attend in person would have access. Lily Morgan, whose in-depth questioning had been praised at a previous North Valley candidates forum, was invited to moderate the debate.
Initially, all four commissioner candidates, including Barnett and Smith, agreed to participate. However, the situation quickly changed. Chris Barnett withdrew his commitment, insisting on receiving pre-scripted questions. Shortly thereafter, following the filing of a recall against John West by Lily Morgan, Smith also backed out of the forum, arguing that if Barnett demanded to see the questions in advance, he should be entitled to the same.
In an effort to ensure a successful event, the organizers contacted Lois MacMillan, an Emmy-winning local high school history teacher, to step in as the moderator, believing she would provide a politically neutral presence. Despite these adjustments and accommodations, neither Barnett nor Smith would budge. Their refusal to engage in an unscripted debate, regardless of what was offered, effectively leaves Josephine County residents in the dark about where these candidates truly stand on important issues.
The decision by Barnett and Smith to sidestep a genuine public debate raises serious concerns. Political forums are designed to challenge candidates, to reveal how well they understand the issues, and to see how they perform under pressure. When candidates shy away from this opportunity, it not only robs the public of their right to a transparent election process but also calls into question the candidates’ readiness to lead.
For a county facing complex challenges, having commissioners who can navigate uncharted waters without a script is crucial. The community deserves leaders who are willing to engage directly with their constituents, answering tough questions on the spot. Unfortunately, with Barnett and Smith refusing to participate, voters are left to wonder just how prepared these candidates are to serve Josephine County.
