Transparency, Governance, and the Path Forward: A Commissioner’s Perspective on Jackson County For All’s Initiatives

As I move into my last year on the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, I want to take a moment to share my perspective on three proposed initiatives that could impact the future of our County. During my time as a commissioner, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the effectiveness of our current board configuration and I believe it’s essential to highlight this experience.

The first initiative under consideration seeks to increase the number of county commissioners from three to five while simultaneously reducing their compensation. As a general proposition, do you believe having five Commissioners making decisions is going to lead to better decisions than three Commissioners? Proponents will also argue that this change would result in no additional cost to taxpayers. This is absolutely untrue! Additional annual costs to taxpayers would be substantial for each new commissioner, including health insurance, travel, training and support staff costs, as well as significant capital outlays for the construction of two new offices. The total expenses borne by taxpayers associated with this transition would likely be several hundred thousand dollars.

Supporters of these initiatives often claim that the current, three-commissioner system, which limits commissioners’ ability to deliberate outside public meetings due to quorum issues, hampers the decision-making process. Yet, I firmly believe that transparency is an essential cornerstone of our democratic system. The requirement that all policy deliberations take place in public meetings ensures that our county operates without the shadow of “backroom deals” and undisclosed agreements.

Jackson County, under its present system of three commissioners, has consistently earned a reputation as one of the best-run counties in Oregon. Our county commissioners represent the entire county, not specific areas, and during my three years on the board, I have seen their performance garner overwhelming support from residents who appreciate their shared values, principles, and priorities.

It appears that the true motivation behind these initiatives is politically driven, an effort to change the outcomes and choices made by the vast majority of Jackson County voters through manipulation of the rules.  I have learned through the years that there are many who engage in our political process who firmly believe that if the process, whether political or administrative, does not give them the answer they want they will seek to change or manipulate the process until it does. Additionally, these initiatives will most likely lead to a follow on initiative to elect commissioners by district. This is clearly a gambit to put commissioners of a particular political philosophy on the board.

The initiative to make commissioner positions non-partisan introduces a new layer of uncertainty and reduces voter turnout, studies have shown. Non-partisan elections can enable candidates to present themselves differently from their true beliefs, potentially misleading voters. In contrast, partisan elections provide voters with a clearer understanding of a candidate’s stance and governing approach.

Furthermore, when you consider these initiatives you need to keep in mind Oregon law on voting for non-partisan positions.  Even if commissioner positions are non-partisan, they will still be placed on the May primary ballot. Under Oregon law if any of the candidates receives 50% plus one vote, they will automatically be elected and there will be no election held for these positions in the November general election. Given that voter turn out for primary elections is significantly lower, often by as much as 30-50% of the turnout for a general election, these positions could be decided by a minority of the electorate. How does that lead to more citizen involvement?

In conclusion, It is imperative we continue to uphold the principles of transparency, effective governance, and fiscal responsibility that I have experienced and been a part of during my three years on the Jackson County Board of Commissioners.