Chris Barnett:
Chris Barnett, a 43-year resident of Josephine County, has advanced to the final round of the primary election for County Commissioner. Having announced his candidacy last year, Barnett brings a long history of community involvement and professional experience. A graduate of Hidden Valley High School, Barnett attended Rogue Community College, built his career locally, and owns property in the county. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, the highest Non-Commissioned Officer rank.
Barnett has built a reputation as an entrepreneur and community leader. He owns and operates two businesses in Josephine County: Realty Executives Southern Oregon, a real estate firm, and Hommati.com #222, a real estate photography and video company. His leadership roles extend into community service, where he volunteers with the Sheriff’s Department and the Oregon State Police. He has also served on the Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce and as a board member for the Grants Pass Association of Realtors. Barnett was Vice President of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard Oregon, reflecting his commitment to both his community and the military.
In addition to his business and volunteer work, Barnett has been a long-time part of the local broadcasting scene, hosting a Saturday morning show on KLDR FM and an afternoon segment on KAJO FM.
Throughout his campaign, Barnett has emphasized his deep roots in the community and his desire to improve local government. He cites his experience in the U.S. Air Force, Oregon Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve, as well as his current role as Command Chief for the Pacific Region Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol, as key to his leadership abilities.
Barnett, who is married to Grants Pass native Stefani Barnett and has three daughters, believes his experience and passion for public service make him well-suited to serve as County Commissioner. His platform focuses on addressing the county’s ongoing challenges with budgeting, funding, and restoring trust in local government. He aims to strengthen Josephine County while working to improve areas that need attention.
“My goal is to restore faith in our county government and to represent you, the people of Josephine County,” Barnett stated during his campaign, highlighting his commitment to serving the community he calls home.
Patrick D. Fahey:
Patrick D. Fahey, a longtime resident of Grants Pass, is vying for the role of Josephine County Commissioner. His candidacy is built on decades of business leadership, community service, and a deep-rooted connection to the region. Born and raised in Grants Pass, Fahey holds a degree in Accounting from Southern Oregon University, and his professional and civic contributions have shaped his platform for county governance.
Fahey’s career spans over 20 years as the general manager and owner of Southern Oregon Sanitation and Sutherlin Sanitary Service. His work in these roles not only strengthened the region’s infrastructure but also enhanced environmental sustainability. His experience in running large-scale operations provides him with a unique perspective on how to manage complex county operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and organizational efficiency.
“I have a proven background as someone who knows how to successfully run a large operation,” Fahey says. “That experience will serve me well when dealing with the intricacies of county government as Josephine County Commissioner.”
In addition to his business leadership, Fahey has been a dedicated advocate for education. As an elected board member of Rogue Community College (RCC), he has championed career training and job creation as key to community development. He is also a member of the Josephine Community Library board, highlighting his belief in the transformative power of education and literacy for regional progress.
Fahey’s platform includes plans to restore morale in local government, emphasizing the need for transparency and efficiency. He is particularly focused on reforming the county’s planning and building departments, which he views as major obstacles to progress. Delays, inefficiencies, and subjective decision-making have created barriers for local contractors, and Fahey is determined to simplify the application process to spur economic growth.
He also advocates for a more transparent allocation of economic development funds and criticizes the high fees that discourage new construction. In Fahey’s view, duplicative processes such as redundant fire protection assessments further burden the local economy. His goal is to foster open, bipartisan dialogue and rebuild strained relationships with city, state, and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service.
Revitalizing Josephine County’s economy is a core aspect of Fahey’s campaign. With traditional industries like logging and mining in decline, Fahey aims to attract new businesses and support existing employers. He believes that a more business-friendly environment, fewer regulatory hurdles, and solutions to the affordable housing crisis will be pivotal in promoting growth.
“Niche manufacturers such as Rogue Truck Bodies, Playcraft Systems, Fire Mountain Gems, and Masterbrand Cabinets have had a positive impact,” Fahey explains. “But there is still much to be done.”
Public safety also ranks high on Fahey’s list of priorities. He plans to advocate for additional law enforcement resources and improve emergency response capabilities. Fahey emphasizes that bolstering mental health and substance abuse treatment programs is crucial in addressing the root causes of crime. He acknowledges the dedication of local law enforcement and pledges to ensure they have the resources and training to keep the community safe.
Fahey recognizes homelessness as a growing concern in Josephine County. He has identified three main drivers: lack of affordable housing, inadequate mental health services, and the impact of Oregon’s Measure 110, which decriminalized drug use. While Fahey believes recent legislative efforts to address drug use are a step in the right direction, he insists that more needs to be done to tackle homelessness and mental health challenges.
On a personal level, family is central to Fahey’s life. He has been married to his wife, Susan, a midwife, for 45 years. Together, they have raised three children—Nicholas, Grant, and Christina. Fahey credits his family’s support as instrumental in his successes, both personally and professionally. His commitment to family is mirrored in his community work, including his leadership roles in youth organizations like the Boy Scouts.
Patrick Fahey’s candidacy for Josephine County Commissioner is built on a strong foundation of business acumen, community service, and a dedication to improving the lives of local residents. His extensive experience in managing large operations, combined with his leadership in education and public service, makes him a candidate who understands the complexities of local governance.
In Fahey’s words, “We can make Josephine County grow and thrive, but it will take all of us working together.” His approach is one of collaboration, seeking to unite the community in addressing the county’s most pressing issues—whether they be economic, social, or related to public safety. With a comprehensive platform aimed at revitalizing Josephine County, Fahey hopes to bring his practical experience and passion for service to the Board of Commissioners.
Colene Martin:
Southern Oregon native and business advocate Colene Martin remains a key contender for the position of Josephine County Commissioner. Having advanced through the primary, Martin emphasizes a platform centered around economic growth, local business support, and community development. As a long-time resident of Grants Pass, she offers a vision aimed at revitalizing the local economy and fostering a stronger sense of community involvement.
Martin’s background includes experience as a Broker with John L. Scott in Grants Pass, as well as active participation in several local organizations, such as the Rogue Valley Association of Realtors and the Government Affairs Committees of both the Grants Pass and Josephine County Chambers of Commerce. Her work has focused on advocating for policies designed to benefit local businesses and homeowners. Her experience in real estate and her involvement in business operations provide her with a perspective on the economic needs of the community.
“I’ve called Josephine County home my entire life,” Martin shared in a recent statement. “I’m dedicated to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive and residents can enjoy a safe, vibrant, and economically stable community.”
As the election nears, issues such as transparency and accountability in local government have been raised, with some residents expressing concerns over the current administration. Martin has highlighted the need for more openness in decision-making and advocates for leadership that places the community’s needs at the forefront.
In addition to addressing government transparency, Martin’s platform includes goals for economic development and housing. She stresses the importance of balancing business growth with the need for affordable housing to ensure long-term sustainability for Josephine County. Her work with the Oregon State Chamber has given her insight into the connection between economic success and housing availability.
With a background in business, real estate, and advocacy, Colene Martin brings a combination of skills and leadership experience to her candidacy. As the final election approaches, voters are faced with choosing between continuing with the current leadership or supporting Martin’s vision for change and development in Josephine County.
Ron Smith:
Ron Smith, a candidate for Josephine County Commissioner, has deep roots in the area, with his family settling in the county over a century ago through the Homestead Act of 1862. Born in Grants Pass in 1952, Smith grew up with a strong foundation of faith, family, and patriotism. These values shaped his lifelong commitment to improving his community.
Over the years, Smith became actively involved in organizations that aligned with his ideals, earning recognition for his leadership. In 2001, he was nominated as “Citizen of the Year” by the Illinois Valley-Cave Junction Chamber of Commerce for his work with People for the USA, a property rights advocacy group.
Smith’s civic engagement extended beyond local matters, as he worked on significant issues affecting the region. He met with Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt at the Bureau of Land Management in Medford, and later traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for Klamath farmers facing water rights issues. There, he collaborated with prominent lawmakers, including Senators Harry Reid and Gordon Smith, and Representative Greg Walden.
In addition to his advocacy work, Smith has held various leadership roles in local organizations, including serving as the Overseer for the Grants Pass Fruitdale Grange and being an active member of the Josephine County Pomona Granges. He has also been involved with the Redwood Lions Club and the Josephine County Farm Bureau.
Smith believes that his extensive experience in community service and leadership has prepared him to effectively serve as County Commissioner for Josephine County. He aims to apply his skills and dedication to addressing the county’s needs and promote the well-being of its residents.
