News
Harelson flabbergasted again - October 18, 2008
NV students get political at campaign forums
Oct. 18, 2008
By Jeff Duewel of the Daily Courier
MERLIN - North Valley High School students heard some spirited debate,
arguments for and against taxes and visions for the future at two campaign
forums held at the school Friday afternoon.
A few of them will even get to vote in the Nov. 4 election, including student
body president Tyler Goens, who turned 18 in July. He said he and about 20
other 18-year-olds often gather at lunch and discuss politics, even if it's just
covering the latest Saturday Night Live spoof.
"It's a hot conversation at lunch," said Goens, who didn't register with a
party. "This is a pretty big election especially at the national level. You have
an Obama table and a McCain table. My table is a little more conservative.
Sometimes you want to throw some food. But it's in good spirit.
"I've been excited to vote ever since the Kerry-Bush election knowing I'd get
to vote in the next one."
Goens sat through both forums, the first involving national and state offices,
with State Rep. Ron Maurer standing in for John McCain and U.S. Rep.
candidate Noah Lemas of Bend posing as Barack Obama.
The second forum featuring local candidates and issues got right
down business when Josephine County treasurer candidate Dale
Matthews told students, "We have a very hungry county government
viewing your parents and other property owners as a food source,"
before accusing incumbent John Harelson of being part of the "good
ol' boy" network.
Matthews handed out dozens of Matthews signs beforehand, giving
the students something to shake when he'd say "You can hold up
those signs now."
"I'm flabbergasted by everything that comes out of this man's
mouth," Harelson said before citing his own nearly-four-decades of
experience as another reason to vote against Matthews. "The most
important thing is to tell the truth always, and most of what comes out
of his mouth isn't the truth."
County commissioner candidate Harry Mackin, who favors hiring a county
manager, said "Right now we have three commissioners who don't work
together" and "We're not doing enough to improve the quality of life in this
community."
Mackin also favors the two tax districts on the ballot to pay for law
enforcement, to make up for a phasing out of federal money that replaced
timber-sale revenue years ago. The average of $12 million during the past
several years will shrink to below $5 million in four years before disappearing
altogether.
One tax district for all county residents could tax up to 99 cents per $1,000 in
assessed value and another for those outside the Grants Pass city limits
could raise another $1.09 per $1,000 for a total of $2.08 for those residents.
County officials say the tax will be gradually phased in as federal money
shrinks.
His opponent, Sandy Cassanelli, said the voters expressed their will last
year by voting down a law enforcement levy.
"Our government spends too much, and when times are tough you don't ask
property owners to pony up more money," she said.
"99.9 percent of the communities in this great country pay for fire and police
with property tax," Mackin countered. "What could be more fair? Local
people receiving local benefits paid for by themselves."
Sheriff Gil Gilbertson commended students.
"I can't tell you how thankful I am you care enough to come and be
interested," he said.
Oct. 18, 2008
By Jeff Duewel of the Daily Courier
MERLIN - North Valley High School students heard some spirited debate,
arguments for and against taxes and visions for the future at two campaign
forums held at the school Friday afternoon.
A few of them will even get to vote in the Nov. 4 election, including student
body president Tyler Goens, who turned 18 in July. He said he and about 20
other 18-year-olds often gather at lunch and discuss politics, even if it's just
covering the latest Saturday Night Live spoof.
"It's a hot conversation at lunch," said Goens, who didn't register with a
party. "This is a pretty big election especially at the national level. You have
an Obama table and a McCain table. My table is a little more conservative.
Sometimes you want to throw some food. But it's in good spirit.
"I've been excited to vote ever since the Kerry-Bush election knowing I'd get
to vote in the next one."
Goens sat through both forums, the first involving national and state offices,
with State Rep. Ron Maurer standing in for John McCain and U.S. Rep.
candidate Noah Lemas of Bend posing as Barack Obama.
The second forum featuring local candidates and issues got right
down business when Josephine County treasurer candidate Dale
Matthews told students, "We have a very hungry county government
viewing your parents and other property owners as a food source,"
before accusing incumbent John Harelson of being part of the "good
ol' boy" network.
Matthews handed out dozens of Matthews signs beforehand, giving
the students something to shake when he'd say "You can hold up
those signs now."
"I'm flabbergasted by everything that comes out of this man's
mouth," Harelson said before citing his own nearly-four-decades of
experience as another reason to vote against Matthews. "The most
important thing is to tell the truth always, and most of what comes out
of his mouth isn't the truth."
County commissioner candidate Harry Mackin, who favors hiring a county
manager, said "Right now we have three commissioners who don't work
together" and "We're not doing enough to improve the quality of life in this
community."
Mackin also favors the two tax districts on the ballot to pay for law
enforcement, to make up for a phasing out of federal money that replaced
timber-sale revenue years ago. The average of $12 million during the past
several years will shrink to below $5 million in four years before disappearing
altogether.
One tax district for all county residents could tax up to 99 cents per $1,000 in
assessed value and another for those outside the Grants Pass city limits
could raise another $1.09 per $1,000 for a total of $2.08 for those residents.
County officials say the tax will be gradually phased in as federal money
shrinks.
His opponent, Sandy Cassanelli, said the voters expressed their will last
year by voting down a law enforcement levy.
"Our government spends too much, and when times are tough you don't ask
property owners to pony up more money," she said.
"99.9 percent of the communities in this great country pay for fire and police
with property tax," Mackin countered. "What could be more fair? Local
people receiving local benefits paid for by themselves."
Sheriff Gil Gilbertson commended students.
"I can't tell you how thankful I am you care enough to come and be
interested," he said.