To the Editor:
Josephine County voters deserve to hear about every Republican candidate, not just those favored by the Central Committee of the Josephine County Republican Party.
When the committee promotes only certain candidates while ignoring others, it prevents voters from seeing the full picture. That does not help people make informed choices; instead, it decides for them which candidates are considered worthy of their attention.
Voters are capable of reading, listening, asking questions, and making up their own minds. They should have the opportunity to compare every Republican candidate’s experience, positions, and priorities before casting a ballot.
By leaving some Republican candidates out entirely, the Central Committee sends the message that it knows better than the public and that voters cannot be trusted with all the available information. That attitude is disrespectful and continues to alienate county residents.
The committee is free to endorse candidates, but it should be transparent about doing so. It should not present a selective list as though those are the only Republican choices.
If party leaders want to strengthen public participation and build trust, they should share information fairly, acknowledge every Republican candidate, and let voters decide for themselves.
Josephine County voters do not need gatekeepers. They need the whole picture.
Linda Smith
Grants Pass