I find it increasingly concerning that there appears to be little public discussion about what many perceive as ongoing retaliation involving public employees in Josephine County and Grants Pass. Issues of accountability and transparency should never be uncomfortable topics for a community to address, yet there seems to be a noticeable reluctance to engage in open dialogue.
Equally troubling is a pattern that has emerged surrounding attendance at Board of Commissioners meetings. A group of individuals who were once consistently present at these meetings have not returned since late January 2026. Their absence followed a series of legal developments involving disputes over actions that I believe were connected to my exercising the right to raise concerns about certain individuals and activities within the community.
Adding to this concern is the timeline of events involving Erich Schloegl and information that surfaced publicly after Commissioner Chris Barnett used his platform to encourage community members to involve themselves in recall-related activities. Specifically, there were public calls for individuals to go to recall petition locations and engage with those participating in the process. For many residents, actions like these raise serious questions about whether civic participation is being respected or discouraged.
When viewed together, these events suggest a broader pattern that deserves careful attention. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the individuals involved, the principle at stake is the same: residents should feel safe to participate in civic processes without fear of harassment, retaliation, or intimidation.
Perhaps most concerning of all is the silence. For years many residents appear hesitant to speak openly about these matters. That hesitation, whether rooted in fear or frustration, speaks volumes about the current climate. A healthy community depends on open dialogue, mutual respect, and the ability to question those in positions of authority without consequence.
Josephine County has long prided itself on independence and civic engagement. It is important that these values are upheld not only in principle, but in practice. Open discussion, transparency, and accountability are not optional in a functioning democracy; they are essential.
Respectfully,
Stephen Fitch, Josephine County Resident