Grants Pass Now

Julie Rubenstein

Does Voter Refusal to Raise Taxes Constitute a Violation of Civil Rights?

County voters have repeatedly refused, by wide margins, to raise property taxes aimed at funding essential public services. The Josephine County Long Term Funding Task Force struggles to come up with a politically viable recommendation, while County Commissioners bicker among themselves. They’re still hoping for a reprieve from Congress as the clock ticks down.

Josephine County enjoys the lowest permanent property tax rate in the State of Oregon. Curry County has the next lowest rate, and they’re already essentially bankrupt. Adequate public services – law enforcement, public health, public works, etc. – were not designed to rely on this extremely low tax rate. They were designed to rely on O&C funding.

In a discussion with the Editor of Grants Pass Now, he proffered an argument that refusing to levy a tax that would adequately fund public services might constitute a violation of our civil rights. He gave as examples the abandonment of vehicles and dead animals along public roadways, and the premature release of criminals because there aren’t enough jailers to secure them. So I looked up the Civil Rights language in the Oregon Constitution. Here’s what it says:

Article 1, Section 20. Equality of privileges and immunities of citizens. No law shall be passed granting to any citizen or class of citizens privileges, or immunities, which, upon the same terms, shall not equally belong to all citizens.

You could make the argument that refusing a levy grants privileges and immunities to property owners – who’ve escaped paying a higher tax – that don’t apply to the rest of the citizenry. The privilege of paying a lower tax comes at the expense of non-property owners, who must suffer the consequences of making that 911 call and being told there’s no one to help. However, I think it’s a big stretch.

More interesting, though, is this provision:

Article 1, Section 22. Suspension of operation of laws. The operation of the laws shall never be suspended, except by the Authority of the Legislative Assembly.

It’s possible to argue that the nay-saying voters have caused the County to violate its own charter, in effect suspending it, by making its laws unenforceable and thus inoperable. If that’s the case, then it begs the question – what remedy is available? Sue the County? It can’t raise taxes without voter approval, and you can’t sue the voters. So while it might make a neat argument, I don’t see a real solution at hand.

Tony Kerwin, BLM Project Planner

Set to take place in an area running roughly from Applegate to Wonder, the Bureau of Land Management’s Cheney Slate Landscape Management Project is now being crafted.

So what’s it all about? For those unfamiliar with such projects, here is a brief overview of who these people are and why such projects exist:

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) became official in 1946, formed by the merging of the Grazing Service and General Land Office. Managed by the Department of the Interior, the BLM was created in order to manage publicly owned lands. However, a number of conflicting laws existed at the time, and finally Congress enacted the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) which set the framework for how public lands are cared for. Today, the BLM’s mission, according to the Oregon section of their national website, is to “sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.”

In other words, the BLM is responsible for managing the lands it administers. This is a requirement of federal law. Preventing and fighting wildfires, maintaining recreational areas for fishing and other activities, and the conservation of habitat for native species is part of a wide range of provided services.

Enter the Cheney Slate Project. (CSP) The BLM’s Interdisciplinary Team believes that in the areas included in this project, there is a need to reduce the risk of fire, improve the conditions of recreational and economically beneficial areas, to improve various aspects of the habitat, and to harvest timber as part of forest management. As is common when it comes to such projects, they have come up with four different alternatives and proposed them to the public. After looking at the benefits, options, and negatives of all the proposed CSP plans, the final decision will be based on a number of factors. An intense environmental assessment of the area is under way, and will be available as early as June, but more likely later in the summer. They will use the results of land surveys concerning special status species, take public comments into consideration, and give marked attention to the opinions of environmental groups, whose responses are typically quite informational and considerably detailed.

The project encompasses a slightly over 25,000 acres around Wilderville, Murphy, and Wonder along with the Lower Applegate Watershed and the Applegate Adaptive Management Area.Wonder, and Wilderville. No privately owned land is included in this project. It is on BLM land only, and the most significant goal is fire protection. Managing these lands includes removing dense brush, thinning trees, and the building and maintenance of roads. This suppresses the potential for fire damage. These methods help protect private property because these roads provide better access to fire prone areas in the event of an emergency, and the reduction of brush and overcrowding reduces the risk of fire reaching private property from BLM managed lands.

Another component of the CSP consists of riparian area development. A riparian zone is the area around streams and rivers. It is desirable to have large trees in these areas as they provide shade and help cool the water, creating a healthy environment for fish. Allowing logs that fall into rivers to remain, or purposely placing logs and boulders in water, helps to form stream complexity, allowing pools to develop. In addition, this helps create a “meandering stream” instead of a straight course. This is beneficial to many fish, plants, animals, and the complete ecology of riparian areas. In part, these actions are being performed for restoration and to develop late-successional forest structure.

Some might wonder why forest management is needed. The answer is quite simple. In the past, naturally occuring disasters helped thin forests and causing open areas, which created quite a bit of diversity for different species to thrive in. Forest fires are now able to be contained in numerous instances, and combined with over logging in the past and new knowledge of the impact humans have had on the surroundings, it has become necessary to reverse the damage of the past, minimize the potential for future problems, and manage timber growth so that there can be harvests in the future.

However, it’s not all about damage control. For those interested in recreation, part of the proposal entails the construction of approximately four miles of horseback riding trails and/or mountain biking trails near Bolt Mountain Summit which will connect Fish Hatchery Park to Elk Lane.

The project will also provide a bit of much needed funding for Josephine County. The funds from the projected 3-6 million board feet will be available as soon as it is sold, while the stewardship (everything that’s not commercial timber sale, such as the collection of manzanita, mushrooms, and firewood) funds will be available when the material is harvested. Counties typically receive 50% of timber sales, depending on the amount of harvest that occurs within a particular county during such projects. Jobs will be created as commercial timber sale normally goes to a company such as Superior, while stewardship goes to contractors (usually in the Illinois Valley) who hire locally.

For those who missed the public meeting on this project, held on March 18th, it is not to late to comment. When the environmental assessment comes out, it will be followed by a 30 day comment period and the BLM will then take up to a month to include the new comments in their final decision. This means that the project is highly unlikely to begin until, at the earliest, this autumn. If you’d like to know if your area will be affected, the following shows which sections of land are included in the Cheney Slate project area:

Township 36 S Range 6 W Sections: 30, 31, 33
Township 36 S Range 7 W Sections: 25, 27, 35
Township 37 S Range 4 W Sections: 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30, 31
Township 37 S Range 5 W Sections: 3, 5, 7-11, 13-15, 17, 18, 20, 22-31, 33, 34
Township 37 S Range 6 W Sections: 3, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21, 23-31, 33-35
Township 37 S Range 7 W Sections: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11-13, 15, 17, 19, 21-23, 25, 27
Township 38 S Range 5 W Sections: 3-8
Township 38 S Range 6 W Sections: 1, 3, 4, 9, 11-15, 22, 23

For more information on the project, please contact Tony Kerwin at 541-471-6564. For those with other questions or who wish to write, fax, or e-mail, you may do so using the following information:

Grants Pass Interagency Office
(Medford District)
2164 N.E. Spalding Ave
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Telephone: 541-471-6500
Fax: 541-471-6514
Email: Medford_Mail@blm.gov

Michael Case

‘TIS SPRING…….2008

Spring has sprung, the grass has rizz…….. I wonder where all the flowers, is? Janet, age 8.

Remember that one? Perhaps a bit premature as March isn’t recognized as the first breath of spring. I think April gets that privilege?

“I sowed the seeds of love,
it was all in the spring,
in April, May, and June, likewise,
the small birds they do sing.” -Mrs. Fleetwood Harbergham circa; 1700
The first cycle of the new year brings hope and promise. Is your cup half full? I think every positive thinker from Confucius, Thales, Socrates, Sartre and most of our modern day positive slanters including Carnegie and Osteen fully believe in this philosophy. Come to think of it, who in their right mind would want their cup half empty? I know. Freddie, age 6, staring at a full glass of veggie juice? Conversely, a baby holding its milk bottle? A hungry person listening to their stomach growl as they stand in a soup line? They would prefer the top half in their tummies, for sure. Except, Freddie.

Spring tell-tales include a drive-by survey of city/county baseball and soccer parks….folks cleaning out their garages….vacation advertising promising paradise for a fist full of dollars or utopia for a few dollars more….. Schools winding up their class schedules in preparation of graduation day…….and, your daughter or son spending more time than usual fronting the looking glass. Spring is when a young man’s fancy turns to what the young lady has been thinking about all winter. Love is in the air!

Spring is like a child’s face…changing three times a day

Unfortunately, this Spring I’m afraid we’ll be beaten into submission via political advertising. Once again, time to vote for president. And yes, your vote counts. A good example of vote-value could be on the political horizon? Some pundits say that Oregon’s primary could possibly tip the scales, democratically speaking.

Alas, with each spring we look forward to a mail delivery from the I.R.S. Not much we can do about taxes in general, but we can do something about local levy issues. I just happen to have one that we all must address.

No matter how you count it, Josephine County needs financial help. Those looking the other way have been exposed to HITSS. (Head In The Sand Syndrome) Or, if you prefer the acronym…. Hide-it.

Once again, Michael-Pollsters (family, friends, neighbors, castaways, various pundits and others of questionable note), or MP’s for short, put forth their best efforts and came up with the following suggestions:

The question was; “How would you finance the day-to-day operations of Josephine County?” And, if you propose a tax, what type should it be?

The results are quite interesting:

Unequivocally, a property tax levy was out….again. This is no surprise due to the constant defeat of the measure at the polls.

Some ideas for the County Commissioners to ponder are:

* Lease any available county owned properties to private entities for selected commercial and/or industrial purposes. Establish privately operated (for profit) recreational facilities on county land, set up with short or long term leases.

* Around the country BLM lands are being offered back to local agencies IF their usefulness has become problematic for the Feds. There is established criteria for accomplishing this. Upon completion of acquisition, determine what for-profit uses would be compatible on these BLM properties, and adjacent to BLM lands. Search for businesses that could benefit from these properties and set up a workable lease.

* Assist as much as possible and encourage new businesses. Acknowledge the re-shaping world of entrepreneurial efforts, such as home businesses, etc.

* Do not replace some county worker positions when they become vacant. Use this money for stipends, expense re-imbursements (not wages), etc., for volunteers to perform support duties. This could lessen the work load or even eliminate some full time positions. There are many retirees in the area looking for such activities.

* County libraries could become “Community Meeting Centers”. Encourage groups, clubs, and community gatherings to its use. In return, these organizations could perform county duties, such as volunteer time with the Sheriffs’ Dept. (and, do they need help!), assist in county grounds maintenance and repair, assist in county events and those private paying events being held on and in county property.

* “Use” or sales tax is considered the fairest of taxes. Determine current revenue needed to fund adequate county operations, estimate operational costs for the next three years and tax accordingly, not to exceed 2% for three years. The tax would terminate automatically in three years, unless 60% of county voters agreed to continue its use. By this time a permanent funding solution could possibly be in order.

* Set up a volunteer operated Josephine County Visitor’s Bureau. Construct kiosks in visitor oriented areas. Sell souvenirs and hand out promotional materials.

Some wag suggested a toll booth on the Rogue;……two salmon per pass……sell to visitors stopping by the kiosks! Now, that’s an entrepreneur!

And, the winner is? No, not the salmon. It’s up to the commissioners and voters. Oh, keep in mind that the above suggestions were offered without the help of research, knowledge of existing laws, land availability, etc. Just real suggestions from real people. Have a nice Spring!

Never mind March, we know you’re not really mad
or, angry or bad.
You’re only blowing the winter away
to get the world ready for April and May.

“Effective May 31, 2007 all branches of the Josephine County Library system will be closed due to lack of funding.”

This is what you see when you click on the Josephine County Library’s website. For those who love to read, it’s a slap in the face and for those with children, an embarrassing example of what can happen when adults forget how to prioritize.

While many children in this country visited their local library for the annual Read Across America Day, a national day set up to celebrate reading. On this day, groups and individuals across the nation are encouraged to instill a love for books in the hearts of children. The celebration takes place at or around the time of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, which is March 2nd. The theme this year was “Go, Books, Go!”, and in Josephine County, they certainly have gone. On Monday, March 3rd, children and adults gathered outside the locked doors of the Grants Pass library, sitting on blankets and lawn chairs. Some brought their own books, while others took advantage of a table set up with free books for the taking. While they shivered in the chilly air and hoped the rain would hold off a little longer, they could look in the windows and see shelves and shelves of books and cozy places to curl up and read, but that didn’t stop anyone from enjoying the books they did have.

Josephine Community Libraries is a non-profit corporation hoping to reopen those doors. Parents, business professionals, educators, and many more from all walks of life have joined this group of over 200 volunteers. They estimate that with one million dollars, it would be possible to open all four JoCo libraries and still run them in a professional manner. While it sounds like a daunting task, it would happen with a donation of under twelve dollars per person. The board of commissioners has voted to match $300,000 of the donations received by Josephine Community Libraries. That would bring the amount down to under eight dollars per person. That’s less than the cost of a number seven value meal at McDonald’s and the gas it takes to get there. If gas prices continue to increase, you’ll have to change over to a Happy Meal instead, but let’s not bog ourselves down with details. When you add in the donations of businesses, corporations, and monies raised in funding drives and through foundation grants, you’re down to just a couple of dollars per person.

The point is that residents can take matters into their own hands and have access to our libraries again if we’re willing to take the steps needed to make this happen. If you’re reading this and horrified that you just gulped down a value meal when it could have been used to help open the library back up, do not panic. There are plenty of other ways to help out with the cause. For example, you could join join their mailing list and learn more about the group. The brave can dive right in and join one of their committees, each of which focus on a certain aspect of making Josephine County Libraries Inc. run smooth.

Another easy way to figure out what’s going on with our libraries is to simply attend the board meetings, which are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. The next meeting will be on March 18th in the Guild Building located at 1867 Williams Highway. They are held in order to not only discuss business, but to gain ideas from those who attend, such as how to help the community become aware that their libraries can be opened again, how to organize fundraisers, and where books can be bought at minimal cost. If you’re leary of jumping in as a volunteer for Josephine County Libraries, attending these meetings is a great way to get your feet wet before making any decisions.

Benjamin Franklin once said “a house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body.” When we closed our libraries, we didn’t do ourselves any favors. Josephine County isn’t simply a place we live in, it is our home. Just as the human body craves food, the mind craves knowledge. Public libraries provide that a large portion of that knowledge in the communities that host them. Unless, of course, their doors are locked. -Gina Locke

Dennis Webber, Senior Pastor of Parkway Christian Center

“We strive to be involved in our community as a partner with those people who are striving to improve the community and the lives of the people in it. ” — Dennis Webber, Senior Pastor of Parkway Christian Center.

Dennis Webber has been the senior pastor of Parkway Christian Center for the last fourteen years, with a prior six year involvement as youth pastor from 1980 through 1986. His statement, quoted above, exemplifies Parkway’s mission to see as many people as possible find a life changing experience through Christ. The church is going about this mission in a variety of ways.

One of the most popular programs hosted is called “Celebrate Recovery.” This support group is designed to bring together those who are struggling with different types of problems. The invitation to join is open to those who wish to find freedom from harmful habits to painful situations and everything in between. By providing a safe and supportive atmosphere, this program seeks to help people realize there is hope. Transformations are rarely instantaneous, but with the proper tools they can be achieved at a higher success rate than for those who go it alone.

Pastor Webber’s enthusiasm for the ministry is shared by Jeanette Webber, who is the Music Director of Parkway, and also Dennis’ wife. When she isn’t leading the sanctuary choir and worship team, Jeanette stays busy organizing special presentations and coordinating the bell choir. They are currently working on “Reclaiming the Arts” - a concept that includes worship and the encouragement of others through art - a medium that many churches in recent times have all but abandoned.

Both are thrilled to be a part of this thriving ministry and take joy in seeing broken lives healed. Parkway Christian Center is a church which is not only interested in what can be done within their building, but what can be accomplished to help people in the community throughout their whole lives. They fully understand the complexity of people, and that by having a person who is healthier physically and spiritually, they help build a strong community. Therefore, Parkway commits to a number of activities in Grants Pass. They provide Reading Buddies and Special Friends for local elementary schools, and are a founding sponsor of the Rotary Duck race, which raises funds for children and family initiatives. For children in the Josephine County foster care system, there is Royal Family Kids Camp. It runs for one week in the summer, and enrollment is open to any foster child whose case worker and care provider has approved attendance for.

Grief Share is yet another program that is well received. This support group offers workshops and classes, from a biblical perspective, for those who have lost a friend or family member (whether recently or in the past) and would like help in learning how to cope. They also offer a Divorce Care program, which provides seminars and a support group for those who are experiencing a divorce or separation. The concept behind these intense groups is healing through mutual support which is based on biblical ideals for how to handle difficult situations. Sometimes it’s as simple as knowing it’s okay to grasp at a lifeline, or as difficult as learning when it’s time to let go. Pastor Dennis’ “life message” is a teaching found in 1 Timothy 4:16, and teaches individuals to watch what they say, do, and tell others, because if a person is right with Christ, they will not only be able to keep themselves safe from falling spiritually, but they’ll be able to help save others as well.

Giving financial support for other charitable networks such as the Gospel Rescue Mission, Grants Pass Pregnancy Care Center, Faith House, and the ROCK, to name a few, is yet another way Dennis Webber and his church are reaching out to others. Amazingly enough, it doesn’t end with Grants Pass. They support a number of missionaries in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East. For those who are looking for a church home, Parkway Christian Center has a potpourri of choices. Sunday morning services are held at both 9 and 11 in the morning. There is a nursery, and there are special classes for kids, teens, and young adults. There are women’s meetings on Wednesday’s, a men’s breakfast on Thursdays, and much, much more. There’s something for everyone, and everyone who wants to join in the team will have something to do. For newcomers and those interested in the church, there is a free lunch held with staff members in order to people to the facility and answer any questions.

Parkway Christian Center is located at 229 NE Beacon Drive. For more information call 541-479-2639, or visit them on the internet by clicking this link: http://www.parkwaycc.com/

It’s about the birds and the bees. It’s about organic. It’s about coffee, ripe peaches, and solutions, and it’s coming to the One Eleven Evelyn Theater for a three day film festival in just a few short days.

Produced by Barry Snitken and presented by the Siskiyou Project, the Siskiyou Film Fest will feature films that focus on key environmental issues such as fair trade and organic agriculture, while provoking thought on the important subjects of oil consumption and alternative fuels. One of the most mysterious problems seen in recent times will also be addressed - the reported disappearance of a vast majority of honeybees from the hives of beekeepers across the nation.

The festival’s opening night will begin with wine served by the internationally recognized Troon Vineyard, along with delicious foods prepared by Chef Marilyn. Illustrations by local artist Paula Fong (http://www.prfong.com) , done in watercolor with pen and ink, will be on display, and host Patsy Smullen of KOBI 5 will host the night’s film offerings, which will kick off with Ryan’s Well. This story outlines the efforts of a determined child who to help provide clean water to a poor area of Uganda, Africa. Ryan Hreljec’s efforts have blossomed into Ryan’s Well Foundation and the provision of over 319 clean water wells thus far, liquid proof that one person can make a world of difference.

After The Organic Opportunity and the Siskiyou Field institute presentation, the gala night will wind down with a short interview with Call to Renewal founder Rev. Jim Wallis and close with a film called “Kilowatt Hours”. In this last video, filmmaker Jeff Barrie will lead viewers through various parts of the country, showing how solutions to the energy crisis can be resolved without putting into action the massive electric plant expansion project recommended by Dick Cheney and his National Energy Policy Development Group.

A slight change of pace will occur on Friday evening as The Shift offers insight to the environmental movement and encourages individuals to become more aware of who they are inside, and what they can offer to the land. The evening ends with an exciting undersea adventure with Pacific reef sharks.

On Saturday morning, it’s all about the children! A series of short but delightful kids films will discuss everything from vegetables to turtles to wombat wisdom, culminating in an introduction to some new feathery friends, courtesy of Wildlife Images, who will be bringing in birds of prey to meet and greet guests.

Next is a special afternoon segment for teens, with offerings that range from purely strange to the dramatically imaginative. The festival will then return to its normal schedule. This final night will start off by introducing the story of 13 grandmothers from various parts of the globe, then move to another ocean trip to visit places off the Oregon coast. The festival will conclude with a buzz as the final film rolls - The Vanishing of the Honeybees”.

Tickets for the event may be purchased at the following locations:

1. The Creative Alternative

229 S W G St., Grants Pass

2. Online: http://siskiyoufilmfest.org/tickets/tickets.html

3. By credit card, directly from the Siskiyou Project, by calling 541-592-4459

For more information on the festival and a complete schedule of events and times, please visit the Siskiyou Project internet site at this location: http://www.siskiyoufilmfest.org/index.php

1. Old Dog Documentaries granted permission to use clip from “birdsong & coffee”, available at http://www.olddogdocumentaries.com/index.htm

2. The producer of “Vanishing of the Bees” granted permission to use the film’s trailer, available here: http://www.vanishingbees.com/

3. The producer of “Buyer Be Fair” granted permission to use this video clip: http://www.buyerbefair.org/film_summary.html

ATTENDING THE 2^nd ANNUAL METH SUMMIT

Denise Olson, this year’s coordinator of the Second Annual Meth Summit held on January 18th in the Josephine County Community Corrections Office in Grants Pass, met me at the door. Ms. Olson works for the County Community Corrections Office and is a proud member of Zonta International of Grants Pass, hosts of this year’s Meth Summit community event. More about this great group, that included the world famous aviatrix Amelia Earhart, later in the story.

What is so gratifying about this summit is that it’s a true community endeavor. Community leaders, former meth users, city and county officials and folks such as you and me filled the large room to capacity. Denise tells us, “During our first attempt at last year’s summit, we agreed to form a task force to set up a website, community education program, seek funding, a total of six issues the group wanted us to address. So, we decided to come back to the group today with the results that we have to date. Now, we’re taking it to the next level asking them directions for the 2008 Meth Task Force and what they want us to take on.” She continued, “Today, we’ll form six round table groups and ask them, ‘in what areas might we have the greatest impact on the meth issue in our community’? After some discussion, the attendees go to a second group table for more discussion. Representatives of those individual groups then present two concerns considered most important by that group, then on to action groups.”

Today’s seminar resulted in some of the following strategies:

PUT A FACE ON THE SOLUTION

Face the issue through public awareness: increase business involvement, support advocacy for employers who risk and landlords who house recovering addicts, promote the learning of new skills through the assistance of the Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce.

PUBLIC AWARENESS

Get the message out. Let it be known that the community cares and is willing to do what is possible to correct the situation. Coordinate all media; carry the same message in all areas of communication.

RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

Utilize existing models; engage business and the community as stakeholders in the project. Seek living assistance support.

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTING RECOVERY

Create our mission statement, DVD’s, etc. Establish committees to educate employers, landlords and others who can make a difference.

EDUCATION AND PREVENTION OUTREACH

Establish an event calendar, create a media advertising blitz and a core prevention committee to operate the program. Some of the goals would be; utilizing existing programs and research new ones for monthly outreach programs to schools and community, collaborate with the Meth Task Force, and kick off Red Ribbon Week.

Results of the summit were focused on community involvement, understanding and access to jobs and affordable, clean housing. In prevention, a high priority was given to parent involvement and family advocacy in school centered programs. Framing of the message was seen as important, “Make sobriety and recovery popular through education, outreach and even entertainment.” I asked Ms. Olson about the group’s progress this year? “We had 32 attendees last year and over 50 today. I think that is great progress for a most important community issue. And, we have many different segments of the community represented here today and that is very gratifying. The summit has been by invitation only, but we hope to have it open to everyone who is interested in helping next year. It’s also gratifying and so exciting to see such high interest. Our community really cares. Now, we need to get the message out to everyone. We need all the help we can get on this all important community issue.” For more information you may call Denise at (541) 474-5191. The website is available at http://josephinecountymethtaskforce.org.

ZONTA, sponsors of this year’s Meth Summit, is a service organization for the betterment, enhancement and advancement of women in the community. Formed in 1919, in Buffalo, NY, the club is now 30,000 strong covering 68 countries. Many famous women belonged and further advance the club’s position in the world. Amelia Earhart, the world renowned aviatrix who was listed as missing on an historic flight in 1937, was an active member in the organization. The word “zonta” is derived from a Sioux American Native language meaning, “honest and trustworthy” and was adopted by the club upon its inauguration. And, for you trivia buffs, Amelia was the 16th woman to obtain a “Flying license”, a major accomplishment back then. The Grants Pass chapter was established in 1947 and is going strong today. You may contact Denise for more information on Zonta International at (541) 474-5191. -Mike Case

Julie Rubenstein

Reinventing County Government
Learning to live with or overcome starvation-level revenues is a critical problem for Josephine County government, and for the people it serves. None of the various strategies considered, proposed or deployed to date –restructuring of county departments, hiring freezes, waiting to see what dribbles out of Congress or the State Legislature, suing to take back our timberlands for lumber production — have much prospect of success. Even if something does work, taken alone or together none of these solutions will achieve the most-desired result — a high-functioning local government. Such coping strategies are only biting around the edges; they don’t address the inadequacies of an antiquated system that can no longer run in the same old grooves, fueled by an unstoppable supply of big timber.

It’s not necessary to re-invent the wheel. Reinventing government is a notion that’s been kicking around this country for over 15 years, thanks to a book of the same name by authors Ted Gaebler and David Osborne. Maybe it’s time our County’s elected leaders took a thoughtful look at some of its principles:

1. Government does not have to be a bureaucracy geared to delivering all public services at every level. Elected officials should focus on “steering” rather than “rowing.” “Steering,” say Gaebler and Osborne, “requires people who see the entire universe of issues and possibilities and can balance competing demands for resources. Rowing requires people who focus intently on one mission and perform it well.” Bureaucracies are full of rowers, and they’re led by rowers.

Our County Commissioners take up the oars every day, so focused are they on details of county administration (since they have no manager for this function) and so disconnected are they from one another that there is no chance they can even approach a good policy discussion, much less keep a steady hand on the helm or a keen eye on the horizon.

2. Tap into the power of the entrepreneurial process, free market forces and the committed communities that already exist to get the best bang for the buck. Public employees themselves can be incentivized to save money by allowing their departments to keep any cost savings they find within their own budgets, and apply it to other purposes instead of giving it back to the general fund. Freeing policy managers to shop around for the most effective and efficient service providers allows competition to drive up quality and accountability. As for committed communities, just take a look around at Josephine County: we have an unusually high concentration of volunteer-based nonprofits in the service delivery business, most of whom can operate leaner and meaner than any counterpart within the civil service system. Mental health services grew without any additional cost to county government when Options took it over. Gospel Rescue Mission is another agency that comes to mind, capable of providing a bed when our county jail cannot.

3. You can cut taxes, cut costs and improve services all at the same time by transforming from a rule-driven to a mission-driven organization.

Yes, this sounds a little like a product that guarantees you can lose weight without sacrificing any food, but it’s true. Our county, if it ever had a mission, seems to have long since forgotten it. To the average citizen looking at it from the outside, Josephine County’s mission appears simply to be a savage struggle for survival. Petty fights over who’s breaking rules or personality disputes dominate the headlines, and all the while we wonder when is anyone going to take on the challenge of how we fund our essential services five, ten or twenty years down the road? Our Sheriff tries to get a little entrepreneurial about relocating his headquarters - he’d save money and improve efficiency - but his good idea gets frustrated by rules made at a time when funding was steady and reliable. Yet I don’t see any policy makers working to make such rules more flexible or responsive to today’s needs - you get back to that rowing problem again.

There are more principles covered in Reinventing Government, including chapters on “Results-Oriented Government: Funding Outcomes, Not Inputs,” and “Customer-Driven Government: Meeting the Needs of the Customer, Not the Bureaucracy.” The book’s ideas are radical, visionary and transformative in the hands of the right reader - someone who actually holds the power to initiate change.

“Change” has now become the buzzword of the 2008 Presidential contest - and it wouldn’t be a bad thing to start looking for changes in County government as well. Maybe a good time to start such a dialogue will be in the run-up to the May primary, as two Commissioner seats go up for grabs. Let’s have a little talk with the candidates about steering versus rowing, maybe even ask them what they think the County’s mission is, or ought to be.

Michael Case

SAY IT…IT LOOKS GREAT FOR 2008 !
    Just the other day while in the bank to withdraw some needed (after Christmas buying) cash, I heard a couple of older dudes chat about the new year as though it was a sure bet for Armageddon. They didn’t specify the exact date, which made me feel better. Now, according to Webster, Armageddon is the final conclusive battle between the forces of good and evil.  Rather a harsh prediction by the octogenarian gentleman, don’t you think?  Unfortunately, there’s a bunch of folks in the same mode, feeling the new year will be one of recession, lost values, runaway inflation, no jobs, etc.  I don’t think so. What is the axiom? If it looks like a recession, sounds like a recession, smells like, etc, then it is one?  Wait a minute…hold your horses! If you think it will be bad…so be it. If you know you can prosper during negative-thinking times, you will succeed beyond your wildest imagination. ”Buy now.” J.P. Morgan said that a lot and he did quite well.

     The Economic Cycle Research Institute, who just happens to keep its finger on the pulse of our national economy, says job figures are holding up. Industrial manufacturing figures are also holding…but, down from the June high. As we all know, housing is down nationally, and could go lower.  Locally, due to pent up frustration on the part of some California retirees, we could see some R.E sales activity in the spring or summer of this new year. Remember, the Baby-Boomers will  begin their exodus before long. And, corporate earnings are still holding…but some slowing is possible. In other words, a recession isn’t inevitable. 

TWO, FOUR, SIX, EIGHT, WHAT YEAR DO WE APPRECIATE? 2008

     The Kiplinger folks have a few tips on saving money this new year. Take advantage (if you can) with the higher IRA rates. Eliminate as much debt as possible. Sign up for auto-pay on your monthly bills where you can. The trick here is to make sure your bank balance is appropriate. Easy to overlook this…ask me? Keep three to six months of expenses available in a liquid account. And, start today tracking down all of your 2007 receipts, W-9’s, interest and dividend statements, any and all evidence of tax breaks.  Remember the guy who tried to list the family bow-wow as his newborn child? He could still be in the slammer, for all I know? You don’t have to go that far, just find everything that will assist you in lowering your taxes…and start doing it, now! The IRS offers many publications and tips on what to do. Yes, they want you to take advantage of what is due you…but, they want their due as well. I think they called it a win/win situation? I consider what some other countries take from their good citizens and I’m willing to pay my tax bill…after I’ve exhausted all means of tax deductions offered.

A GOOD YEAR…

     Just my opinion, but since you asked…here’s my prognosis, predictions, summaries and other great thoughts on the advantageous year before us.
     We should see that small spurt of real estate sales activity during the year. It will take more time to get the kinks out of the home lenders rope before any big time movement can take place. Those planning on moving to our pristine area in the near future is vast. With the influx of baby-boomers and others, you’ll see another good size jump in property values.  Yes, it can go higher and probably will. But, are we ready? Money is needed to operate our municipalities and counties to maintain the increase in public services. Just how we do that is up to us. You know the drill? Write your city council person or county supervisor. Tell them your thoughts…it’s really worth it. The big question to me is, how do we keep low key, laid back, provide needed services and remain pollution free with all of this going on?  Aha…guess what? We have to come up with a plan…you and me and thee.
 
FOR BETTER OR WORSE IT’S THE NEW LAW…

    By the by…new Oregon laws effective Jan 1 that might affect you; Insurance companies will be required to pay for birth control pills, if they already provide benefits for other drugs. Employers will have to provide nursing mothers a quiet place to pump breast milk…and time off to do so.  Grandparents will be expressly allowed to take advantage of family medical leave laws to care for ill grandchildren. Merchants will no longer be able to sell gift cards that expire, or decline in value over time. There are new identity crime stoppers…it is officially a crime now to steal someone’s identity, even if they are dead, and if you are 18, or younger, no more cell phones while behind the wheel.  You can check all of this out in Mondays (Dec 31st) Daily Courier.  

     Hope you had a great holiday? We got set for New year’s Eve…fire crackling nicely in the fireplace…my favorite lounge chair fluffed up for some serious sitting…hot cider on the convenience tray…Old Shep asleep by my feet…now, we’re ready and waiting for that New York ball to drop at midnight (recorded earlier). At precisely 10:30 my snoring sent Old Shep out of doors and Pam, my beloved wife, locked herself in the bedroom. I was fast asleep…couldn’t hear a ball drop, if I wanted too? 
     From all of us at Grants Pass Now, have a happy and very prosperous new year. It could be a great one!

Pastor Keith Heck , Director of the Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission

Dr. Edwin H. Friedman, a late family therapist and ordained Rabbi once said, “Leadership can be thought of as a capacity to define oneself to others in a way that clarifies and expands a vision of the future.” Many of  our community leaders today find themselves in this capacity and lead us in the direction of forward movements in restoring faith and kindness in mankind. Keith Heck, director of the Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission, is a wonderful example of a great leader and excellent role model.

Pastor Keith Heck has been the director of the Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission since July 15, 1997. He accepted the position after the death of Walter Fikso, the founder of the mission, in 1996. The Gospel Rescue Mission of Grants Pass was started in April of 1983 with the second hand store, now the Second Chance Thrift Store. Since it was established, the Gospel Rescue Mission has expanded to include a Men’s Center, the Fikso Family Center, the Community Recycling Center, and the Ray Allen Center for drug and alcohol abuse recovery. The largest number of residents live at the Men’s center on E street in Grants Pass, currently around forty-nine men. The Fikso Family Center houses twenty-six women and twenty-three children at this time and the Ray Allen Center for abuse recovery can provide for thirty residents. With so many programs and numerous citizens in need, an incredible amount of love and faith drives Keith Heck to direct such a foundation.

Pastor Heck is a man of God and with his strong faith and powerful guidance he shows compassion for people in need and offers far more than a residence. It takes much more than that and according to him, “Our community members in need require support rather than a  place to live and a job. We need to teach them how to live, not just to exist.”

The Gospel Rescue Mission is not the only organization to benefit from Keith’s wonderful example. He has devoted many years and countless hours to bettering the lives of many community members in need. His service began in the United States Military in July of 1959, with an honorable discharge in 1963. In that same year he married his wife, Carol and had two children, later seven grandchildren. He studied at Western Bible College and has been a pastor since 1970. Pastor Heck has continued with service ever since and some of his more recent involvement includes a ten-year period as a volunteer board member with the Citizen Review Board, involvement with cases at the Department of Human Services, service as a board member for Pathways to Care Network, service as a board member and vice chairperson on the Siskiyou Community Health Center Board, Rotarian of Grants Pass Rotary Club, and many other local non-profit organizations.

In the last twelve months, the main goal for the Gospel Rescue Mission of Grants Pass has been raising funds for the new Men’s Center which will be located across the street from the Fikso Family Center on the corner of Foundry and G streets in Grants Pass.  The way the mission operates requires the entire amount of money needed before the project begins. The estimated cost for the 23,000 square foot building is approximately $3.2 million. Due to many generous donations and money earned through the Second Chance Thrift Store and the Community Recycling Center, the Gospel Rescue Mission board has set aside fifty percent of the total cost. This is an amazing feat, considering the amount of funds and other materials required to run each center day-to-day. An average of 5600 meals served each month at the three facilities, the up-keep of the G.E.D. program, and various other organizations such as the Prescription Assistance Program, which offers assistance to people in need with life-threatening medical issues bring up many budgeting concerns.  Such costs as these keeps Pastor Keith Heck and a Gospel Rescue Mission board of eight members very busy.

Pastor Heck never loses faith when faced with difficult budgeting, although he has said it is hard to plan to spend money that may or may not be there when it is required. The board budgets according to what is available and what they hope to receive in grants and donations. The goals for 2008 are focused on raising money for daily life for residents of these facilities and also raising the remaining required funds to build the much needed men’s facility. The space will house as many as eighty men, while only forty-nine are being housed at the current facility.

With so many people in need this Christmas Season, we all need to remember to give and help our neighbors in need. Members of the Guild Building are having a food drive for this Christmas season, all donations going to the Gospel Rescue Mission of Grants Pass. Please bring non-perishable items to the Guild Building at 1867 Williams Highway, Grants Pass. If you would like to contribute to the Gospel Rescue Mission, please call 476-0082, stop by 120 SE J. Street in Grants Pass, and visit www.gospelrescuemissiongp.org. To contribute to the Second Chance Thrift Store, go to the corner of 6th and J streets or call 479-9748. To support the Community Recycling Center, call Kevin Maloney at 955-1091 or go to 1010 SW Foundry Street in Grants Pass.