By John Rachor
As a former Jackson County commissioner and Budget Committee member, I strongly oppose ballot measures 15-225 and 15-226. The misleading tactics utilized by the proponents of these initiatives have prompted me to speak out, especially in light of the unjust accusations leveled at the county administrator.
Having worked closely with the county administrator, I can attest to his unparalleled honesty, competence and professionalism. With nationally recognized expertise in and nearly three decades of experience in government budgeting, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to transparency and accuracy in his financial projections. The reliability of his projections is crucial, especially considering the potential severe impact that increased costs could have on the county’s budget and its ability to provide vital services.
Moreover, drawing from my experience as a commissioner and member of the Budget Committee, I understand the critical importance of sound financial management in ensuring the delivery of essential services to our community. Any unnecessary increase in costs, as projected by the administrator, could significantly strain the county budget and jeopardize our ability to provide the vital services that our residents rely on.
The proposed measures, by expanding the number of commissioners from three to five and reducing their pay, offer no clear benefits to local governance and pose a real risk to the fiscal health and effective management of Jackson County in its current structure. Furthermore, the petitioners’ apparent attempts to actively prevent accurate information from being provided to voters through baseless and frivolous legal maneuvers erodes their credibility and reflects poorly on their true intentions.
It is essential for voters to carefully consider the implications of these measures on the county’s financial stability and service provision. Let’s prioritize responsible decision-making based on accurate information, transparency and the well-being of our community to safeguard Jackson County’s future. Join me in voting no on ballot measures 15-225 and 15-226 because less government is the best government.
John Rachor served as a Jackson County Commissioner from 2011 to 2015. This article was republished from The Oregon Eagle.