Power corruption, lies, and drama seem to be resurfacing in Grants Pass as the Board of County Commissioners contemplates reinstating controversial figure Simon Hare into a position of government. Despite a history of personal controversies and questionable decisions during his previous stint as commissioner, Hare is now being recommended for the role of Broadband Project Manager, a position that has raised eyebrows among residents.
Hare, who served on the Board of Commissioners from 2010 to 2018, left amidst a series of personal controversies, including a DUI arrest leaving a strip club, inappropriate text messages to minors, and a legal battle over squatting in a local home without paying rent. Recent allegations of Hare and his spouse, Kristina Stickler, lying on court documents, attempted defamation, and dumping trash on private land have also surfaced. If Hare can’t control his personal life, how will he be able to perform his duties that he’s clearly unqualified for.
Attempted defamation by Kristina Stickler photographed with Hare via social media within last 30 days.
The proposal to appoint Hare as the Broadband Project Manager has sparked concerns about his qualifications for the role. Commissioner Dan DeYoung questioned Hare’s suitability, asking if there were other candidates with relevant experience. Finance Director Sandy Novak indicated that subject matter experts in the community were already involved, seemingly dismissing the need for specific IT experience.
Commission Chair Herman Baertschiger inquired about Hare’s willingness to take the position, to which Commissioner John West provided a vague response, stating that Hare had been attending meetings without pay. West argued that Hare’s local knowledge and experience in dealing with contracts from his eight years in government could make him an asset.
The decision-making process itself has come under scrutiny, with Commissioner DeYoung suggesting that the matter should be brought to the board after the holidays to allow for further discussion. Commissioner Baertschiger emphasized the importance of public input given Hare’s status as a political figure in Josephine County.
Hare’s controversial history as a commissioner includes voting in favor of a mining project and facing public backlash for personal incidents. His past controversies, including filing a false police report about a stolen vehicle and sending inappropriate texts to an 18-year-old, led to calls for his resignation. Despite entering an outpatient treatment/diversion program for alcohol-related issues, Hare continued to draw criticism during his term.
The current proposal to appoint Hare to a key position raises questions about accountability, transparency, and the credibility of the Board of County Commissioners. As residents await further developments, the controversy surrounding Hare’s potential return highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing power, corruption, and questionable decision-making within local government.
This is a developing story. We will provide information as we receive it.
