One down, one to go...

And it's the easy one that's down. We took about 99% of the vote in Tuesday's election, which might have something to do with the fact that I was unopposed for the Democratic nomination for Position #1. Republicans nominated Don Skundrick (defeating the incumbent Jack Walker) to run against me in November. He'll be a good, tough opponent. In the other Commissioner position, Democrat Mark Wisnovsky will be taking on Republican John Rachor.

These will not be boring races. And I think there's a chance to make them much better than what we're used to... which is why I submitted this letter today to the local newspapers:

CAMPAIGNS THAT ARE PART OF THE SOLUTION

To the editor:

I can’t exactly call my primary election victory “hard-fought;” in my slot, there was no other name on the ballot. Now I’m one of four candidates for two County Commissioner seats in November. I admire how the other three walked the campaign trail. They answered voters’ questions thoughtfully and respectfully, running just the kinds of races we want, but don’t get, in national politics.

We can keep doing that. One suggestion: let’s collaboratively hold six community forums focused on solutions, not political slogans.

Each would focus on one topic (possibilities: job generation, long-term county funding, foreclosures, food security, water, transportation). Each would take place in a different town; we’ll ask city councils or service clubs to host/moderate. Each would specifically invite citizens who’ve been studying and working on each topic. And, really stretching, the four of us would limit our talking to 20% of the time and listen the other 80%.

If these events produce even a few ingredients for practical, effective solutions, then county residents win this election no matter which two of us end up taking office.

I’d like to work on this with all interested candidates. Call 541/858-0585 and we’ll work out details.

JG

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