We Can Win This Race

Join us in the CALL-5 CHALLENGE

It’s easy. Follow these four steps:

1) Go to your personal/professional address book and select the names and phone numbers of at least five Jackson County residents (but I'll bet you have way more than that). Look for people who might not already be supporting this campaign, or who might not be tuned into the election generally (or friends who might simply be so busy they let their ballots fall to the bottom of their inbox until its too late). It’s also good if they live somewhere other than Ashland.

2) Call each one on the phone (this is much more effective than email). Make one or two efforts to talk to them personally before settling for their voicemail. Tell them you’re taking the time to call because you believe it’s vitally important to elect Jeff to the Board of Commissioners, and give one strong reason that is true for you (you can visit goldenforjacksoncounty.org if you want a reminder). Ask them to vote for Jeff. Some will do so just because you ask them. If someone wants more information, refer them to the 2-minute welcome video at www.goldenforjacksoncounty.org .

3) If you reach someone who’s already enthusiastic about the campaign, ask them to go to their address book to call 3-5 Jackson County friends who might need a nudge. We want to see this spread.

4) Complete the process by replying to kim@goldenforjacksoncounty.org, and let us know you’ve called at least five people (it would be additionally helpful if you send me their first name and the city in which they live so we can ensure we're covering the county, and so I can show Jeff the level of our outreach). If you’re ready to join us in this massive final effort, please get this done today or tomorrow. With vote-by-mail, more people vote with every passing day, and it’s important to reach them as soon as possible.

Good News for Governing Ourselves...

What if...

What if you took the two most controversial (and perhaps complex) measures on our upcoming Oregon ballot -- this year that would be Measure 73 (mandatory minimum sentences for new categories of repeat offenders) and Measure 74 (legalizing dispensaries to provide medical marijuana). And let's say you gathered a group of Oregon citizens at random, people starting off with no financial, political or big ideological stake in these issues. Then say you had the time and resources to give them plenty of good, responsible information, let them hear from advocates on both sides, let them ask all the questions they want. Then you gave them time to discuss and deliberate and give their judgment on the issues. And THEN their opinions went into the Voters Pamphlet (right alongside with the statements of the rah-rah supporters and opponents of the measures) for you to read before you voted.

Think that would improve our system? Well, for the first time, all of that has happened, and you in fact have a chance to read the opinions of unbiased, very well-informed citizens, all thanks to Healthy Democracy Oregon. Check it out and see if it gives you some optimism about citizenship and political process in our state. It did for me.