By Toni Webb
October 30, 2014
NewsWithViews.com
Josephine County, Oregon. - As a taxpayer, YOU need someone in the Commissioner's office whom you can trust to manage taxpayer money responsibly, and be on the lookout for cost-savings. Toni Webb was the person who first stood up and cried "foul" when the GP City Council approved bus shelters that cost $106,000 each. The actual cost of the bus shelter was around $8,000. In a small town, people are often afraid to speak out. We are now in a financial situation countywide where people are going to have to speak up and get involved, and we can count on Toni Webb to look out for our community.
Some people say that we can't have Econ Dev until we pass a safety levy; that no companies will relocate here because of our crime. Jackson County has more crime, and even gangs, but business continues to locate there; we need action, not excuses! Webb stresses that we also need to create jobs and lower unemployment so that people can afford to pay for another levy. The Public Safety levy has gone down 8 times in 11 years. The unemployment picture has gotten worse, making it more probable that people will continue to be uncertain about their future.
Putting people in jail solves crime by that person, often temporarily. But it does not solve the overall crime problem. We need to look at the problems that we continually have –theft, drugs, high school dropouut rate, etc.—and fix the underlying causes. One major underlying cause of crime is unemployment. We can't expect the average citizen to fix unemployment, so we need a concerted effort by our political and business leaders.
Josephine County is the only county in Oregon without an Economic Development department. Toni Webb took the time to research and write an Economic Development Proposal, which is posted on her website.
The Commissioners Hare, Heck, and Walker talk about the importance of economic development, but they have done nothing. The County is missing many opportunities to promote tourism and the beauty of our area. In June 2014, Toni managed an installation of two panels at the Manzanita Rest Area (between Hugo and Merlin, southbound) to encourage travelers to stop and stay a few days. The County could have a presence in many of the rest area kiosks throughout California, Oregon, and Washington, which would boost tourism in this area. You can see the kiosk panels on her website.
Economic Development begins at the local level; both the State and regional agencies produce reports that are valuable in charting an economic recovery course for Josephine County. The Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Initiative (SOREDI), headquartered in Medford, release a report for Josephine County for 2013.
Under "Recruitment Activity-Projects that came to fruition," we see "0." Site visits from outside companies to the County were only "3", and there were only 30 jobs created that were related to Private Enterprise Zone investments. We need to create hundreds of traded-sector jobs, not just a handful.
What are "traded-sector" jobs? Traded-sector jobs are those jobs that produce services and goods that are sold outside of Josephine County. Essentially, we are bringing in money from outside the County, creating new wealth for our residents.
For instance, Portland area's traded-sector companies include sports or active apparel companies such as Nike, Columbia Sportswear, and Addidas; renewable energy companies such as Vestas; electronics firms such as Intel Corp. and Jama Software; "clean" technology companies such as CH2M Hill and Gerding Edlen; and traditional manufacturers such as Boeing, Schnitzer Steel, and Oregon Iron Works.
Making our community safe is a top priority. We are facing closure of the County Jail by May 2015. Toni Webb has talked with legislators in Salem and our representatives in Washington, DC. When the Senate convenes after the November election, Wyden will try again to get a one-year extension for the Rural Schools Act. But there are no guarantees, and these year-to-year short-term fixes contribute to an unstable community. Both Salem and Washington, DC, have said they want to see Josephine County help itself.
The whole county of Josephine (population around 83,000) is not much more than the population of nearby Medford (population around 78,000). As much as possible, our cities and county will have to collaborate and consolidate to maximize the public safety dollar. For years, politicians have talked about City and County collaboration, but where are the results? City residents are affected by what happens in the County and vice versa.
Putting people in jail who have committed crimes is only part of the solution; eventually most convicted criminals are released from jail and come back to our community. We need to enlist the schools, churches, and service organizations in being part of the crime prevention program. Economic development, providing jobs for people, is part of the solution. People who have served time in jail, and want to turn their lives around, need to have the opportunity to work and be a contributing member of our community.
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Toni Webb has promised to publish a report every month on what the Commissioners have accomplished, how much money was spent, and where the money went. Right now, there is even less transparency at the BCC level than two years ago. Agendas are published on the website with no explanation or backup documents. Of course people are not going to trust government if the Commissioners give them limited information.
Cast your vote for a candidate who offers solutions, not excuses! Write-in TONI WEBB on your ballot and sent it in today!
© 2014 Toni Webb - All Rights Reserve
Share This ArticleToni Webb is a native of Grants Pass, OR. She has an internet marketing business. After studying international relations at the International Peoples College in Denmark, she returned to Oregon to get her BA at Marylhurst University. She then went on to get her MBA and a Masters equilvalent in Healthcare Management. She has founded three nonprofits and served on the Boards of five nonprofits.
Toni is currently on the Board of the City of Grants Pass Historic Buildings and Sites Commission and the Josephine County Spay and Neuter Fund. She ran for County Commissioner in 2012, with a good showing coming in second in the General Election.
E-Mail: toniwebb@webmarketingintl.com
