Sept. 7, 2013 -- Two candidates challenge Jackson County Sheriff Mike Winters

Two candidates from local law enforcement have stepped forward to challenge Jackson County Sheriff Mike Winters as he seeks a fourth term in November 2014.
Sheriff's Lt. Bob Sergi, who is on the Jackson County sheriff's SWAT team and is a night supervisor at the jail, said it's time for a new direction.
Corey Falls, deputy chief at the Ashland Police Department and a member of the Medford Police SWAT team, said it's time for a change in the leadership at the Sheriff's Department. Sergi and Falls filed papers in August with the Oregon secretary of state to form political action committees.
They can't file candidacy papers with the Jackson County Elections Center until Sept. 12.
Winters said he plans to run for sheriff in 2014. He took office in 2002.
If three candidates run in the May 2014 primary election, and one of the candidates gets 50 percent of the vote plus one vote, that person would be the only candidate qualified to run in the general election.
Otherwise, the top two vote getters would run against each other in the November general election. Falls, a 40-year-old Medford resident, said the sheriff's department needs a fresh set of eyes. "I think training and experience is exactly what this county needs now," he said.
Falls said he was critical of the helicopter program that the sheriff runs as well as other resources used by the sheriff. "It's time to really look at how we're using personnel," he said.
Falls said he thinks the sheriff hasn't worked effectively at community outreach and responsiveness to the public. He said he wants to develop a better problem-solving strategy to reduce crime while improving social issues locally.
Reducing jail overcrowding and decreasing early release are two of his goals.
Falls has worked for law enforcement in Washington state, has been on a drug task force, studied at the FBI Academy, and is working on his doctorate in business administration.
He's also gone through programs in tactical training, leadership training and emergency preparedness.
While he grew up in Jackson County, he hasn't worked with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, but he has worked with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office in Washington state.
Sergi, a 57-year-old Central Point-area resident who works part time in real estate, said Winters has been too focused on emergency management to the detriment of law enforcement.
Sergi, who has worked for police departments in Long Beach, Calif., and Medford, said he was critical of the video surveillance equipment installed in Shady Cove schools and the high-tech gear for the helicopter. "I think that we need to go in a different direction and focus more on law enforcement," he said.
A SWAT team leader for 12 years, Sergi said he believes he has a lot of support from other deputies in his bid for sheriff.
An important issue for Sergi is the number of forced releases of prisoners because there's not enough room in the jail.
A jail commander from March 2010 to February 2011, Sergi said he wants to find ways to keep prisoners in the jail. With a degree in business administration, Sergi said he has certifications in corrections and criminal justice.
Sergi's recent stint with the sheriff's department started three years ago. For the first year and a half at the sheriff's office, he said he had heard mostly positive things about Winters, but now his opinion has changed, though he didn't offer specific reasons why.
Winters, 55, who lives in a rural area outside Ashland, said the county has been well-served by his time in office.
"I think I have a long record of accomplishments," he said. "It will absolutely stand any challenges."
Winters said he takes issue with Sergi's criticism of the video surveillance in Shady Cove because it is a technology that could prevent the slaughter of children. "Coming from a SWAT commander, that is an absolutely ludicrous statement to make," he said. "Schools have been forced to endure budget cutbacks, so a video surveillance system provides a cost-effective means to protect children."
He said he's got a strong record of law enforcement, but he said emergency management is one of the primary jobs of the sheriff, who has to collaborate with other emergency service providers in the area.
Winters said his department runs a fairly cost-effective aviation program that is necessary for search and rescue missions as well as drug seizures. He said his department spent about $40,000 in 2012 for helicopter operations after accounting for federal grants that help fund the program. He said a National Guard helicopter can respond to emergencies but it can take up to four hours before it gets to Jackson County.
The sheriff's department uses the helicopter only as needed, he said. Winters said he has carefully watched the sheriff's budget and stands by his record.
"It's up to my opponents to make their case," he said.
http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130905/NEWS/309050314

March 5, 2010 - $90,000-plus salary could be a major reason for increase in number running for county commissioner seats

By Damian Mann
Mail Tribune

A $90,000-plus salary may be among the reasons the races for two Jackson County commissioner seats have drawn a crowd.

So far, 10 candidates are on the ballot for the May 18 primary, a number not seen since the 1990 and 1994 elections. The filing deadline is March 9, and at least one more Democratic candidate might file, which would push the number to a record level.
How much does a Jackson County commissioner get paid?

Commissioner Dave Gilmour, who is not seeking re-election, said he's not sure what impact the salary has had in attracting candidates.

"I don't think it's the main reason," he said. "But it is a reason."

The three commissioners each have a salary of $94,661, plus $27,000 in benefits. A new commissioner would have a starting salary of $90,168.

Two years ago, a county salary committee recommended the commissioners' pay be raised from $68,432 to $86,341. In addition to the raise, the commissioners could receive a step increase each year, subject to approval by the salary committee. As a result, the salary increased to $90,661 last year, then to $94,661 this year. In the past two years, commissioners have seen their wages jump by 38 percent.

Candidates for the two seats have said they are running to address issues and to improve county government.

However, some have said the salary is appropriate for the kind of professional skills required for the position.

Gilmour said the county commissioner position has become more professional over the past few years, and the salary reflects that trend.

The salary could be one of many factors a candidate weighs when making a decision to run, Gilmour said.

"If it attracts the best people, it is well worth it," he said.

Gilmour, who also works as a Central Point doctor, earlier said he wouldn't take the salary increase but now says he has decided to accept it in his last year as a commissioner because he needs the money.

"It's a little bit of self-interest as I transition back into my practice," he said.

Gilmour said he decided to take the extra money this year to help save for a three- to four-month period next year in which he will not be fully compensated during his transition back to work as a full-time doctor.

For most of his almost eight years in office he has taken a lesser amount in salary than his two fellow commissioners.

"The main thing is I saved $150,000 to $200,000 in salary and benefits that I did not take," he said.

Commissioner C.W. Smith initially turned down the salary increase two years ago, but decided to take it after his re-election in 2008.

Smith said he's not sure how much of an effect the salary increase has had on attracting new candidates.

But, he said that an appropriate salary for a commissioner makes it worth the risk for someone who already has a good career but wants to run for political office.

Smith said county government is a more dynamic part of the community in recent years, dominated by land-use decisions, reopening libraries and steering the budget from a deep hole to building reserves.

Commissioner Jack Walker, who said he intends to file his candidacy papers this week, said that one of the goals of the salary hike was to attract qualified candidates with business sense.

"Our big effort was to get business people involved in government," Walker said. "It makes a huge difference."

Walker said the county is being run more like a business now, which has put the county in a better financial position than it was three years ago, saving millions of dollars in the process.

As part of this effort to run the county like a business, Walker said it requires paying people salaries comparable to what they would have received in the private sector.

"I think it's an incentive to say I've always wanted to participate in government and now I have this opportunity to do this," he said.

Allen Hallmark, chairman of the Jackson County Democratic Central Committee, said he thinks the salary could be a factor, but from his knowledge of Democratic candidates it is far down the list of reasons to run.

"Most of these guys are pretty sharp and could earn a living some other way," he said.

Hallmark was surprised the salary now topped $90,000, but said a commissioner should be considered a professional who spends a lot of time on behalf of the community.

Mark Ness, chairman of the Jackson County Republican Central Committee, said the salary might have some effect on a candidate's decision to run.

"I think that's one of the attractions to it," he said.

However, he added, candidates also have a strong desire to be involved in the politic process and to contribute to the community.

Ness said he doesn't begrudge the commissioners their salary.

"I think the people should be paid well, and there should be a lot expected of them," he said.

He added, however, the benefits packages should be cut, and those running for political office should find their own retirement and health care.

For most people, he said, running for an elected office doesn't make sense because of the time involved and the lack of compensation. He noted that city council members are volunteers and state legislators receive relatively modest stipends.

The commissioners are one of the only local exceptions he could think of.

"Honestly, I don't think they're overpaid," Ness said.

Jan. 20, 2010 - Stink grows over pot control

Lori Duckworth, executive director of Southern Oregon NORML, shows a nursery of cloned marijuana plants being nurtured for patients in Medford. NORML, or the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, opposes Jackson County commissioners’ concept legislation that would limit the amount of marijuana grown and possessed for medicinal use. --Bob Pennell

By Damian Mann
Mail Tribune

Jackson County commissioners Tuesday decided to prod legislators for a solution to neighbor complaints about legal marijuana gardens rather than pursue local controls.

Commissioners said it would be too complicated to enact a local ordinance to deal with odors, traffic, lights and other issues that have been reported over pot gardens in rural areas.

"Quite frankly, smell would be difficult to regulate," said Kelly Madding, director of Development Services.

She said the legal gardens are considered a not-for-profit agricultural crop, so they don't fall under the same constraints as a business.

Madding said a local ordinance, which likely would be challenged in the courts, would require a significant increase in the cost of code enforcement.

Commissioner Jack Walker said the current law is difficult to enforce because of the way it's written.

"No way in the world can you regulate it," he said.

The county drafted a concept law and sent it to legislators asking for more regulation of medical marijuana grow sites, including alerting law enforcement about new gardens.

Legislators might not carry the bill forward for the county until they see how voters respond to several initiatives regarding medical marijuana that could be on the November ballot.

Mel Barniskis, information manager for Southern Oregon NORML, a cannabis resource and information center at 332 W. Sixth St., Medford, criticized the tenor of the county's proposed legislation.

"It seems to serve the purposes of law enforcement, but doesn't address the welfare of patients," she said. "It seems to put more hardships on patients."

Commissioners propose limiting the amount of marijuana on hand at any one time and restricting patients to possessing one ounce. Instead of six plants for a patient, commissioners propose allowing only two mature plants plus two seedlings.

"Allowing so much marijuana provides a clear opportunity for abuse," the concept legislation stated.

With 2,418 medical marijuana cardholders, Jackson County has the third highest number of patients using the drug behind Multnomah and Lane counties, according to the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program.

Under current law, a grower can have up to six mature plants and 18 starts and seedlings per patient for up to four patients.

Barniskis said the concept legislation shows a lack of understanding about the way medical marijuana is grown and used.

Barniskis said there is a big difference in the amount of marijuana that can be grown indoors versus outdoors. An indoor plant generally produces several ounces, while an outdoor plant can produce a couple of pounds, she said. Having additional plants helps ensure a grower won't experience a complete crop failure should bug infestations or mold occur.

Patients' needs for the medication vary wildly, she said. Some ingest the drug because they can't or don't like to smoke it, which requires more plant material to produce the medicinal effect, she said. Some patients require more than an ounce a week to deal with a particular health problem, Barniskis said.

Patients sometimes drive long distances to obtain their medication, so limiting them to just one ounce would also be a problem, she said.

Commissioners want to prohibit grow sites within 1,000 feet of a school. Barniskis said her organization encourages renters who want to grow medical marijuana to move to a different area. In other cases, where someone owns a house, she said NORML strongly advises the growers who are near schools to make sure the plants aren't visible and to take precautions to reduce the smell.

Commissioners acknowledged that initiatives in the works could change Oregon's marijuana laws.

In particular, Initiative 28 proposes creating a regulatory process through the Oregon Department of Human Services to keep better track of growing operations.

John Sajo, executive director of Voter Power, an organization backing Initiative 28, said if voters enact the initiative, it would create more regulatory authority and would resolve some of the problems such as large gardens.

He said the initiative would provide a role for county government to potentially enforce zoning restrictions on marijuana gardens.

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail dmann@mailtribune.com.

Jan. 16, 2010 - SOHS plans Jacksonville exodus

Southern Oregon Historical Society board member April Sevick, left, and Executive Director Allison Weiss discuss the future of the organization and its plans to consolidate into downtown Medford's former J.C. Penney building. Bob Pennell / Mail Tribune photo

By Damian Mann
Mail Tribune

The financially strapped Southern Oregon Historical Society may pull out of Jacksonville and leave the care of historic landmarks to another organization so it can continue to safeguard Jackson County's history and the million artifacts in its collection.

SOHS has proposed to the county that it sell landmarks such as the U.S. Hotel and the Catholic Rectory and lease out other buildings, including the Jacksonville Museum that once was the county courthouse.

If the proposal is approved by the county, a percentage of the proceeds from the property sales could pay off the historical society's debt, and the lease of other buildings could help pay for a newly formed Jacksonville Historical Society.

SOHS closed down most of its operations last year to allow time for reorganization under a new executive director.

Terrie Martin, SOHS board president, said her organization had to make difficult choices to ensure its survival.

"We have to decide what's important," Martin said. "And what's important is our collection."

SOHS hopes to consolidate its operations in the History Center, a 27,000-square-foot building it owns at Sixth Street and Central Avenue in Medford, and concentrate its efforts on preserving and displaying artifacts and documents from its vast collection.

It would continue to own and run Hanley Farm in Central Point and would continue to lease a building in White City that contains about 1 million artifacts. The society also cares for hundreds of thousands of historical documents and photographs.

Executive Director Allison Weiss said there have been discussions about selling the U.S. Bank and the Catholic Rectory. The Beekman Bank also could be put up for sale, but Weiss said the historical society would like more involvement from the community before that idea is seriously considered.

The historical society leases Jacksonville buildings such as the history museum and children's museum from the county for $1 a year and would likely sub-lease them to a proposed Jacksonville historical society for the same cost, if approved by the county. The new historical society would take over the maintenance costs.

SOHS's money problems began when it lost all of its county support in 2007 as part of a lawsuit settlement. Lithia Motors, a tenant in the History Center, moved out in October, ending a lease that generated $150,000 annually and canceling its option to buy the building.

When Weiss took over leadership of SOHS last July, she was looking at an annual budget of $750,000. Now it is $360,000, with two full-time people and a handful of part-time workers.

In its heyday, the historical society received more than $2 million annually through a voter-approved levy and had about 50 employees.

Weiss said the historical society is on life support.

"We could be out of money any month," she said. "It is a very desperate situation."

If the county agrees to sell off properties and a new historical society takes over management of the other buildings, SOHS would save about $100,000 annually in maintenance and utility costs.

The historical society is hoping to receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the U.S. Hotel to help pay off a $600,000 loan.

If the historical society, which met with county officials Friday, gets the support of the county for its proposals, it plans to reopen its library to the public on May 4 using volunteers.

To cut costs in the future, Weiss said SOHS will foster partnerships with local organizations such as genealogical societies and share staff with smaller historical societies.

Hanley Farm is not sustainable at present, Weiss said. SOHS may rent out space for farmers, create a partnership with the local extension service and host a community garden for Central Point.

Weiss wants to lease out space in the History Center as well to help raise additional revenue.

She said she has heard all the stories and complaints about the bad blood between the county and the historical society, but her board of directors has decided that the only solution is to forget about those past grievances.

"What can we do?" she said. "It is history. I can't dwell on what we did in the past. We've got to move forward."

Taking care of six buildings in Jacksonville is just too much of a burden, she said.

"We have to get out of the property management business," she said.

Selling off historical buildings doesn't mean they would lose their character. Deed restrictions and their historical designation would help preserve their significance for Jacksonville, she said.

An area in the upstairs of the museum has been cleared out and could be used as a community meeting room if the county sells the U.S. Hotel, where the upstairs ballroom served as a meeting space.

All of SOHS's proposals hinge on county approval.

County Administrator Danny Jordan said he has been working with SOHS officials for several months. He said he is hopeful that a proposal will be forthcoming from SOHS that could be presented to the Board of Commissioners.

Both county and historical society officials say there are no prospective buyers for the U.S. Hotel or other properties, though there has been some interest expressed about the hotel over the years.

If a building were to be sold, it would have to go through a complicated process where the property is declared as surplus, then an auction would be held and if there were no serious offers, it would be put up for sale.

George Kramer, a historic preservation consultant in Ashland, sharply criticized what he sees as strong-arm tactics on the part of Jackson County against a very weakened historical society.

"I don't blame SOHS," he said. "They have a gun to their head and they are trying to save some money. SOHS is on death's door and looking for money any way they can get it."

Kramer said Commissioner Jack Walker forced the historical society to divert funds to repair the roof on the county courthouse, a move that started the friction between the county and SOHS.

"I think the county has played hardball because Jack Walker got so pissed off about 20 years ago," he said.

When voters approved Measure 50 in 1997, a levy that provided $2 million annually to the historical society was consolidated into the county's general fund. Kramer said the county doesn't divert a dime to the historical society.

"The county is the one that has put SOHS in that position, and the county is the one that has taken advantage of that," Kramer said. "SOHS is to the point where it is basically selling a kidney to survive."

What the county forgets is that through the work of the historical society and the city of Jacksonville, buildings such as the U.S. Hotel were preserved years ago and ended up being deeded to the county, he said.

"Don't tell me the county has any claim to anything," Kramer said. "I hold Jackson County entirely responsible for this situation."

Kramer said he is not necessarily opposed to selling a building like the U.S. Hotel, but he thinks the proceeds should go entirely to the historical society and not be shared with the county.

Walker said he didn't want to respond to any personal attacks from Kramer, but did say the historical society appears to be headed in the right direction.

"I am excited about some of the different ideas that are being explored," he said.

April Sevcik, SOHS board member, said the time for rehashing what happened in the past is over if the historical society hopes to move forward.

She said nonprofit organizations everywhere are facing difficult economic times and the historical society wants to work with everyone to find a solution.

"We have tried to create a working relationship with the county," she said. "What was, was, and what isn't, isn't."

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail dmann@mailtribune.com.



Any new group that tends landmarks will be pressed


By Damian Mann
Mail Tribune

A newly formed historical society faces an uphill battle to reopen Jacksonville's museum, the Beekman House and other historic buildings. The Jacksonville Historical Society is filing paperwork with the state and federal governments to create a nonprofit organization to run the Jacksonville Museum and other buildings run by the Southern Oregon Historical Society.

"We don't even have a dollar to our name yet," said Jacksonville resident and history buff Larry Smith. "We don't even have a bank account. This thing is still being formed."

Smith said the decision by SOHS to pull out of Jacksonville after 65 years caught him and other residents off guard as they scramble to create their own historical society.

"I was surprised the Southern Oregon Historical Society gave up so quickly in Jacksonville," he said. "They are burning their bridges. They are leaving so fast."

Discussions about selling the Beekman Bank also have caused bad feelings, he said. The bank contains a collection of Gold Rush artifacts that he said shouldn't be moved out of the building.

"You would lose the historical context if you move everything out," he said.

Smith said he could see selling off the U.S. Hotel.

If the new historical society takes over the museum, Smith said it will inherit a lot of deferred maintenance, with costs estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars.

He said there is no elevator to the second floor, which would make the room upstairs unavailable to the handicapped.

There is no bathroom in the building or running water, which would make it difficult to lease out space, he said.

Although SOHS would share artifacts with the new historical society, Smith said there has been talk of a fee, which would be difficult for his struggling organization.

He said the Beekman House could be tied into the Britt Festival grounds, offering a venue for weddings and musical events in a space in the back of the building. The Children's Museum would remain as is, and the building, a former jail, is in pretty good shape, Smith said.

Brooke and Mel Ashland, who were involved in restoring the historic three-story Jacksonville School, are also part of the new historical society, Smith said.

Since the events have unfolded so quickly, Smith said his organization has had only a few weeks to begin grappling with the enormity of the task ahead of it.

"There are no easy answers, and we don't know if we would even be successful at this point," he said.

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail dmann@mailtribune.com.

October 22, 2009 - Atkinson Suspends His Try For Governor

By Damian Mann

Mail Tribune

MEDFORD — Republican state Sen. Jason Atkinson suspended his campaign for governor Thursday because of family health problems.

The 39-year-old Central Point lawmaker, who still is recovering from an accidental shooting in 2008 that makes it difficult for him to walk, wants to attend to serious health concerns in his family, he said in a prepared statement. His wife, Stephanie, was treated for thyroid cancer last year.

Atkinson said he will make an announcement at a later time about whether he will continue to run for governor.

Cheri Adkins, Atkinson's legislative aide who also works on his campaign, said the senator just had informed her of his decision not to run Thursday morning.

"Right now he is out of the campaign, but I can't say what is going to happen in the future," she said.

Adkins said the senator had been spending a lot of time with his consulting business, Allmand Tree Creative, since the legislative session ended and has done only limited campaigning.

She said the senator remains in pain from his injuries, but she is not sure of the health condition of Atkinson's wife. "I just know there are problems there," she said.

Atkinson, an avid cyclist, was working on a friend's bicycle on July 29, 2008, when a small bag containing a derringer fell and the weapon fired, hitting Atkinson in the right leg above the knee.

Adkins said a meeting that had been planned to discuss the campaign had not been held yet.

Adkins said she did not believe it would hurt Atkinson's chances of winning the primary on May 18, 2010, if he stopped campaigning for a month or two to deal with family health problems.

Atkinson and the other candidates jumped into the campaign earlier than usual, she said.

Businessman Allen Alley and former legislator John Lim are running for governor on the Republican ticket.

In his prepared statement, Atkinson said, "Stephanie and I have recently been confronted with some serious health concerns that need to be addressed before I undertake such a massive task as running for Governor of our great state. We ask for your thoughts and prayers as well as your patience as we wade through this difficult time. I am not going away, but need time with my family. We greatly appreciate your strong support and kind words."

Former Gov. John Kitzhaber is considered the Democratic frontrunner in the governor's race. Former Secretary of State Bill Bradbury and former Hewlett-Packard executive Steve Shields are also in the Democratic primary race.

Atkinson, who could not be reached for comment Thursday, has not filed his candidacy papers with the Secretary of State's Office in the governor's race.

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail dmann@mailtribune.com.

September 16, 2009 - Rancor Splits Local Lawmakers, Chamber

By Damian Mann

Mail Tribune

Fallout from the last legislative session has strained relations between two Democratic legislators from Jackson County and the Medford chamber of commerce.

Rep. Peter Buckley of Ashland sent the chamber a strongly worded e-mail on Aug. 14, criticizing the organization tor taking a partisan stance that he characterized as sometimes personal — an accusation that surprised chamber officials say is untrue.

"I read through chamber publications and there is a consistent demonization of Democratic politicians, like (Sen. Alan) Bates and myself," he said. "I did not deal with a more partisan group than the Medford chamber of commerce."

Bates, an Ashland Democrat, agrees with Buckley's comments, saying he had several hostile conversations with chamber members.

Brad Hicks, chief executive officer of the Chamber of Medford/Jackson County, said he is confused by what he describes as unfounded accusations.

He said he only remembers the two legislators being treated with respect, though many of the chamber members disagreed with their position on tax increases.

"If anybody is being attacked here it might be us," he said. "I'm still kind of flabbergasted by the whole thing."

Hicks said he can understand Buckley being under stress after tackling a very difficult legislative session, but he said the chamber is obligated to take a stance on issues — particularly tax increases — that could have a profound effect on local businesses.

He said this stance shouldn't be construed by the legislators as partisan, but rather pro-business. He said the chamber often sides with Democrats on issues as well, noting he had received a thank-you note from the governor's office over the chamber's support for a transportation bill that will help build a Highway 62 bypass.

Hicks said the chamber took exception to tax increases on corporations and the wealthy because they could result in an estimated loss of about 70,000 jobs.

"I represent a bunch of folks that think that is unacceptable," said Hicks. "Economic prosperity starts one person at a time. It all starts with a job."

The e-mail from Buckley came after the chamber invited the representative to present a position on why the tax increases should be supported, Hicks said.

Buckley said his e-mail was written out of a sense of frustration with what he perceived as the chamber's mistakes in its approach and understanding of the legislative process.

In the e-mail addressed to both Hicks and John Watt, the chamber's lobbyist, Buckley said, "At this point, you are clearly partisan at all times while holding a pretense that you are not. This makes it extremely difficult for a Democratic legislator, no matter how much I want to find common ground, to see you as a credible stakeholder in the legislative process."

Buckley said the chamber didn't give enough credit to legislators for creating jobs through the transportation bill as well as the new education building in downtown Medford. An expansion of the Oregon Health Plan to cover more kids would result in more jobs, even though it was opposed by the chamber, he said. In addition, thousands of jobs such as teachers, state police, corrections workers and court personnel were saved by difficult decisions made by the Legislature, he said.

Buckley said he has no problem with people disagreeing with his policy, but he said the kind of rhetoric coming out of the chamber branded him as an uncaring politician who did not work hard enough.

The August 2009 chamber newsletter cites Buckley and Bates as playing a key role in increases in taxes, giving them the lowest marks of any local legislator for their votes on tax bills opposed by the chamber.

In the newsletter, it describes Bates as a legislator who presents himself as a moderate who supports business, but made a dramatic plea for tax increases on the Senate floor.

In the newsletter, Hicks stated, "It was as though the only jobs that Salem seemed to think were worth saving or even supporting were ones that draw a state paycheck. They didn't want to consider the impact on businesses and their employees. They just needed someone to tax and didn't seem to understand or care about the real economic impact of those decisions."

Buckley said he took exception to the pointed language Hicks used in the newsletter, which he perceived as a personal attack on Bates and him.

"To say we don't care — I'm saying why are you doing this?" he said.

Watt said he has a very different memory of the conversations chamber members had with the two legislators during conference calls.

"There were absolutely, and I emphasize absolutely, no personal attacks," he said. "I was stunned to hear that accusation that it was personal."

Watt said he was at every one of the phone meetings and he heard lots of frustration about some of the issues, but nothing approaching hostility.

"If someone doesn't agree with policy, is that personal?" he said.

In Buckley's e-mail, the legislator accuses Watt of partisanship because he disseminated a press release immediately after it was written by House Republicans who were critical of the corporate tax bill.

Watt, a lobbyist for many businesses, said he routinely gathers press releases from both parties that he e-mails as part of a news and opinion piece he prepares nearly every morning. The day after the Republicans sent out a press release, Democrats did likewise and Watt said he sent that out as well.

In addition, his Web site has links to different stories from both parties throughout the state, he said.

"We do not do this service on behalf of the chamber," he said. "We do this service for the people of Oregon. It is not tied to my client."

Watt, a former legislator, said he strives not to be labeled a Republican in his dealings as lobbyist.

Praising Buckley as a person who stands up for his beliefs, Watt said he understands legislators are exhausted after one of the most difficult sessions in recent memory.

"I highly respect those people," he said.

Bates said the local chamber showed a lack of understanding about what was going on in Salem to craft the state budget, which was designed to preserve jobs and critical community services.

He said the chamber had no problems endorsing an increase in taxes for transportation projects that will benefit many local businesses, but objected to what he describes as a small tax increase on the very wealthy to help shore up schools and other critical services in Oregon that faced $2.5 billion in cuts.

In conversations with chamber members, he said it was taken to a personal level at times.

"It was more and more strident, with more and more anger," he said.

He said many of the verbal attacks took place during chamber telephone conferences, where he wasn't allowed to respond to the accusations.

"The chamber wasn't there to be a part of the conversation in a positive way, a progressive way," he said.

In one session with a local health care company that is a chamber member, he said, "I couldn't get a word in edgewise. It was just strange."

Bates said he is used to disagreeing with people who have views that are different than his own.

"I can understand political differences," he said. "I can't understand personal attacks."

Chris Borovansky, a chamber board member and Jackson County fair manager, said he is surprised at the statements made by the two legislators.

In phone conversations with Buckley and chamber members, he described the give-and-take as polite.

"I thought Buckley comported himself well, and I thought chamber members comported themselves well," he said.

In Buckley's e-mail, he stated the chamber thought any budget cuts to county fairs was unacceptable. But Borovansky said that differed from his memory of the conversation. "We certainly expected cuts," he said. "If he took it to mean any cuts are unacceptable, that's not what we meant."

Borovansky said he's hoping the chamber and the two legislators can eventually patch up their differences.

"I hope that out of this thing, there comes renewed dialogue," he said. "What's important is not the dispute, but the resolution."

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail dmann@mailtribune.com.

August 2, 2008 - Owner of Weapon That Injured Atkinson Named

By Damian Mann

Mail Tribune

Jacksonville City Councilman Bill R. Leep is the owner of a derringer that accidentally discharged and wounded state Sen. Jason Atkinson in the right leg Tuesday.

The Central Point Police Department released the name Friday after the Mail Tribune filed a public records request the night before.

Leep, who has been in contact with Atkinson and his family, expressed regret about the accident in a prepared statement Friday.

"Whereas I understand the interest to explore the details, I feel the emphasis should be for the hopeful and anticipated progress of Jason," stated Leep. "I deeply regret the hardship and would ask for your respect and prayers for a speedy recovery."

Leep, 53, had a derringer inside a cloth bag attached to his bike. When he brought the bike to Atkinson's Central Point garage, the Republican senator removed the bag to work on the bike but dropped it, causing the derringer to discharge.

Atkinson, 37, an avid cyclist, remains in serious condition at Providence Medford Medical Center.

Family members say he will require at least one more surgery from the bullet wound in the thigh area just above the knee.

Lt. Steve McGee of Central Point police initially didn't want to reveal Leep's name because of sensitivity to his family.

He said he didn't know that Leep was a city councilman and real estate developer.

After reviewing public records law Thursday, McGee said, "I thought it was in the best interest of everyone to release the information."

Leep, who said he has been a councilman for more than 11 years, didn't want to be interviewed about the accident and said he wouldn't take questions.

"The whole emphasis here is not about me," he said. "It is about being optimistic and hopeful about Jason."

After meeting with Atkinson in the hospital, he described the senator as very spirited and positive.

Leep is co-owner of Paradise Ranch, a resort in Merlin with a 7,418-yard golf course that will be completed by summer 2009.

McGee said Leep cooperated fully during the investigation.

Leep did not have a concealed weapon permit, but Central Point police have decided not to charge him because the accident took place on private property.

The police have recovered the .38-caliber bullet lodged in Atkinson's leg.

Medford police Lt. Tim George said his department would disclose a name if there was no investigative reason to withhold information.

"We wouldn't have any reason not to release," he said.

He said that in most cases the names of all parties involved are released, with the exception of witnesses and others who could provide important testimony.

Without knowing all the circumstances, George said it doesn't appear that there was any criminal actions in this case.

"There wouldn't have been unlawful possession of a firearm if it was in someone's garage," he said.

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or dmann@mailtribune.com.

June 8, 2008 - A Delegate Balance

By Damian Mann

Mail Tribune

Jackson County candidates dominated a Democratic convention in Medford Saturday, scooping up every delegate seat that was up for grabs for supporters of Sen. Barack Obama.

Commissioner Dave Gilmour, local Democratic chair Paulie Brading and local Obama campaign leader Matt Sutton will represent this area at the Democratic National Convention in August. Sharon Marler, another local party activist, was chosen as an alternate delegate.

The convention, held at the Medford library, was one of five held throughout the state Saturday representing each of Oregon's Congressional districts. The 2nd Congressional District is the largest in the state, stretching from the southern to the northern border on the east side of the Cascades except for Jackson County and the Grants Pass area.

Altogether, five delegates plus one alternate were chosen from this congressional district to represent Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton at the national convention. Both the Clinton delegates also were Jackson County residents.

There were 46 candidates vying for the Obama delegate nomination at the convention, with 20 from Jackson County. This was the first time in 12 years that a Democratic convention was held in Jackson County.

Both Gilmour and Brading won a majority in the first round of votes. Sutton and Marler failed to get a majority and a quick runoff election was held before they were declared the victors.

"There is an inside line on Dave and Paulie," predicted Maui Meyer before the voting started.

Even though he said the odds were against him, the Hood River county commissioner and candidate for a delegate position said it was worth the $150 in gas money to make the trip to the convention.

The selection of delegates was particularly significant for Obama supporters because Sen. Hillary Clinton endorsed her opponent earlier in the day.

"It was a wonderful speech this morning by the senator from New York," said Rep. Peter Buckley, who led the Obama caucus at the convention.

Of the approximately 120 people voting for the Obama delegates, a clear majority came from Jackson County.

John McColgan, 2nd Congressional District chair for Oregon Democrats, said the Democratic National Committee specifically chose Medford to host the selection of delegates.

"They wanted it to be in a good media market," he said.

Both Brading and Gilmour said that holding it in Jackson County raised their chances of winning, but they still spent some time campaigning before the voting took place.

Brading, 60, of Medford said, "I'm just thrilled by the representation of all Jackson County Democrats. I'm looking forward to meeting more Democrats nationally."

While ballots were filled out at the convention, Brading said she was voting for herself, but also for Gilmour and Sutton.

Gilmour, 60, said he approached his run for the delegate seat as he's run his campaign. He sent out flyers, e-mails and contacted as many of the Democrats as he could who would be voting at the convention.

He said he looks forward to the Democratic National Convention.

"It has the potential to be a critical event in American history," he said. "There is a very good chance that we will be changing the presidency back to a Democrat."

Sutton, 43, of Central Point, was stunned by his victory, thinking he wouldn't win in the runoff with well-known Democratic activist Antone Minthorn of the Umatilla Tribe.

"It hasn't really sunk in, but it's exciting that I'm going to be at the convention," he said.

Sutton, a Medford lawyer, helped bring Obama to Medford on March 22 for a town hall rally and has worked on a grassroots campaign for the Illinois senator for more than a year. "It is kind of rewarding after all the hard work in Jackson County," he said.

Marler, the alternate delegate, said she welcomed the recognition of her years of hard work. "I've been working in the trenches with the Democrats since 2000," she said.

She beat out Denise Cyr, who has also worked hard on the Obama campaign locally and introduced the senator at the Medford rally.

Medford resident James Marshall, who worked closely with Sutton during the primary, said this is the first time he's been active in politics.

Marshall, a black man and a native of Chicago, Ill., helped in the local voter registration drive and was part of the voting bloc for the Obama delegates.

He said he's followed Obama for 10 years. Racism may still exist in America, he said, but more and more people now would support a minority candidate for president.

"I'm not surprised at all that he's gotten to this point," he said.

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or dmann@mailtribune.com.