A responsible newspaper serves as the voice of the people, holding those in power accountable and ensuring transparency in government and community affairs. In Josephine County, where unchecked corruption has at times tarnished public trust, this responsibility has become paramount. Unfortunately, for years, the competitive newspaper in the region has failed to fulfill this duty, leaving critical stories untold and the community uninformed about issues affecting their lives.
Our newspaper is committed to breaking this cycle of silence and inaction. This year, for example, we published a groundbreaking investigation into the county’s IT Director, revealing exorbitant salaries and questionable practices that continue unabated. Despite the glaring evidence we presented, there has been no investigation from the state of Oregon or Josephine County officials. Such negligence underscores the importance of a vigilant press willing to shine a light where others will not.
The competing newspaper in our community has long been aware of these issues. Yet, instead of informing the public, they have seemingly chosen to turn a blind eye, perhaps out of fear of retaliation. The individuals implicated in these stories often employ bullying tactics or threaten lawsuits to silence dissent and avoid scrutiny. While such tactics may intimidate some, they do not deter us. Our mission is to serve the public interest, not to cater to the comfort of the powerful.
We understand that reporting on uncomfortable truths is challenging, especially when it involves people you may know personally or professionally. However, journalism is not about maintaining social niceties or protecting acquaintances. It is about uncovering the facts, no matter how hard they may be to hear, and ensuring that the community has access to the information it needs to make informed decisions.
Critics may accuse us of having a personal agenda or targeting individuals unfairly. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our newspaper operates with integrity, guided solely by the principle of informing the public. We are not in the business of vendettas or hit lists; we are in the business of reporting the news. Whether it involves local politics, public safety, or other issues of importance to Josephine County, our goal is to provide balanced, fact-based reporting that empowers our readers.
This commitment is especially critical in an era where transparency is often lacking. Without a free and fearless press, corruption festers in the shadows, and communities are left in the dark. By exposing misconduct, whether it be inflated salaries, misuse of public funds, or other unethical practices, we aim to restore accountability and foster a culture of honesty and fairness in local governance.
The people of Grants Pass, and surrounding areas deserve a newspaper they can trust to report the truth without fear or favor. We pledge to continue standing up against corruption, reporting on the issues that matter, and ensuring that our community is informed, empowered, and ready to confront the challenges it faces. Together, through honest journalism, we can make Josephine County a better, more transparent place to live.
