Candidates speak on top issues at forum

All seven candidates for Jefferson County Commissioner Position 3 met at the Madras Performing Arts Center Monday, April 29 to respond to questions submitted by the public in a forum put on by the Madras Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.

The candidates began with opening statements. They each were able to respond to one group question, then each was given a randomly assigned question to respond to. After all candidates responded to a question, each was allowed to respond to one question asked of another candidate as well. The candidates are Cindy Brockett, George Curtiss, Ara Erdekian, Brandi McNamee, Rick Molitor, Swan Stanfill and Seth Taylor. The forum was moderated by Jefferson County Library Director Jane Ellen Innes.

The first question focused on the two measures on the local ballot this election cycle, a $14.5 million bond for Jefferson County Fire & EMS, and the restructuring of the Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District.

All but two candidates said they would support the fire bond. “With fire, we need to fund that,” said Curtiss. “We need good fire. If Chief Blake came back with a bond that was half the price, I’d approve that.” Curtiss said he supports fire, but thinks the bond is too large. Stanfill called for a moratorium on all bonds and levies.

The MAC bond was a split issue. Taylor, Erdekian, Stanfill, Curtiss and McNamee all expressed hesitation at the MAC bond. Taylor and Eredekian both stated they were more opposed, Taylor saying the pool should continue on its current funds, and Erdekian mentioning the Crooked River Ranch pool does not face the same funding challenges, and noted that he lives out of the MAC district, as does Taylor, but that if he was in the district he'd vote against it "every time.” McNamee was less finite in her position on the measure, saying “The MAC has completely morphed from what the voters originally adopted. I support the MAC, but I want to see more information communicated to the voters.”

Molitor and Brockett both said they would support the MAC measures. They both talked about the services it brings to the community, especially our youth. “(The district financial set-up) was flawed at the beginning, but I’d hate to see it go away and deteriorate,” said Molitor. “I want to see it for our community. It’s a gem that attracts our families and staff to the area, and I feel my dollars are put to good use supporting that.”

Taylor was asked a question about recent requests by sanitation services to increase rates. He stated, “We need to look at the cost-benefit ratio. A 10% increase might be reasonable, but they have to justify it,” said Taylor. “We don’t need to raise taxes or increase costs; we need to save money where we can. I’m kind of like Ronald Reagan, ‘no new taxes.’ That’s the way I live, and that’s the way I’ll always vote.”

The next question focused on the homeless population in the county, and asked candidates how they would support and deal with the county’s homeless population. Erdekian was first asked the question and stated, “I don’t know how to take care of people that refuse rules and regulations to use the shelter. If it takes a volunteer effort, I’m in. If it takes taxes, I’m out. It needs to come from us.”

Taylor also chose to respond to the question. He places the blame for the issue on legislators in Salem, “When you allow drugs, you get these issues,” said Taylor. “I’m a Christian man, I’ve served the homeless here. They are different now.” Taylor added that when unhoused people are arrested, they should be given an ultimatum: “They can take advantage of the resources here, or they can have a bus ticket back to wherever they came from.” Taylor also mentioned he intended to discuss water, but tackled this issue instead saying, “I’m the only candidate qualified to handle the water issue," citing his background as a former fish and wildlife professional.

The next question, given first to Stanfill, focused on the animal shelter in Jefferson County, which is facing serious financial issues. Stanfill said, “I’m sensitive to animals. We need to do something, but we have a tough decision to make.”

McNamee also responded to the question. She said, “This is very important to our community. It is a county public service. Do you want to see a dog attack a child or be a nuisance running wild. It’s a problem here, and we need to resolve it. We can’t control it at all with no solution, we need a better solution.”

Brockett also discussed the issue. She focused on better spay and neuter protocol at the shelter, and holding owners accountable for fixing their animals, to prevent further overpopulation. She also suggested staffing the shelter with juvenile work crews. “I was in juvenile justice and ran community serve crew with kids. Animals are healing for people, and I think we could utilize community service to do that.

Erdekian also responded, saying, “This is man’s best friend. It’s a thankless job. I’ve seen the way animals are treated with respect, cared for. If we turn that into a 48-hour kill shelter, we will be looking at fines like crazy. We need to find a solution.”

Curtiss was the first asked a question about water insecurity in Jefferson County. He suggested building another reservoir to hold the water that is allowed to run by in the winter. “I don’t know the real solution, but I’m researching. I see farmers only watering 25% of their crops; they have to file for bankruptcy and go away.”

Molitor also responded to the question. He began by rebutting Taylors claim no other candidates were qualified regarding to issue. “I want to use my two ears, and talk with farmers about what needs to happen, and find what their needs are. I have experience advocating at the state and federal level, and this is a state and federal issue.”

McNamee was asked a question about addressing the needs of Jefferson County’s diverse community. She spoke about making sure positions on boards and appointments are accessible to everyone. “It comes down to who is going to step up and serve, its who has initiative to do it. We need better, creative minds, more discussion, and more ideas, regardless of male, female, pronouns, or color.”

Molitor was asked about economic development in the rural areas of the county, and what tools could be used to increase revenue. He mentioned he sat on the EDCO board and is glad the commission is bringing it back. “We should be focusing on and listening to our community to bring in resources that will help us move forward. We need to grow, but in a mindful way, and ensure the steps we take are not only going to move us forward, but also support the current businesses we have,” said Molitor.

Stanfill also answered the question, stating, “For economic development to succeed, you need the infrastructure to support it. Facebook in Crook County, they use 4.1 million gallons of water a year. We need people to go back to Washington to lobby and speak on behalf of our farmers who are the endangered species”

Curtiss also responded, saying, “We don’t want to make Madras a Bend or a Redmond, I like it here, it’s cheaper here because there is less population. The problem is not bringing more people in, it’s about being a nice community and a happy community as we are.”

Brockett answered a question about U.S. Highway 97 traffic, and the potential for a bypass. She said, “We need to find a way to support business, and support traffic. Maybe trucks and other things are bypassed, and we also support what is available downtown.”

Erdekian was asked about what capital improvement projects he foresees for the district. He spoke about things like the Meta (Facebook) facility in Crook County, which he says brought in high-paying jobs, taxes, and revenue. “We need more than headhunting, we need someone that understands our population, and what it takes to keep us in our homes, paying our mortgages. There is not currently a capital project out there I’d vote for.”

Stanfill was asked a question about his position on Urban Renewal Districts and how they affect communities, to which he responded, “I’m an advocate for economic development and new projects that can be achieved by lobbyists and grant writers (not taxes).”

The next question focused on the aging facilities at the fairgrounds, and how candidates would support and prioritize the facility. Curtiss was the first asked. He suggested adding a small fair entrance fee, or paid parking to the fair, as well as bringing in more concerts, so more vendors and funding went to the fairgrounds.

McNamee also answered the question. “The fairgrounds have been a band-aid fix of many upgrades, the fair board has been getting things by, as it becomes an event space, it can be more for this community,” said McNamee. She spoke about its role as a basecamp for wildfire personnel, and a meeting point in disasters. “It’s for more than the fair and events, it’s about it being a hub and a need for our community.”

Erdekian also addressed the fairgrounds. He spoke about the impending change he anticipates in ticketing rules that would allow more musicians to perform at our fairgrounds. He suggested using TOT funds, not the budgeted tax funds to support fairgrounds improvements.

Stanfill spoke, stating his support for building a county museum at the fairgrounds. He also spoke about the need to replace the flagpoles and upgrade the kitchen.

The next question focused on the movement to move Oregon’s border and join Idaho, which the commissioners are required by voters to discuss twice a year. McNamee was the first asked the question. She said, “I support the concept, but it’s incredibly difficult to move a border. I know we are incredibly different than the other side of the hill. We have to go with what we have.”

Taylor also responded, saying “I love this state, but Salem has been failing us for many years. The reality is we are being failed by politicians on the other side. We need to make our decision for ourselves.”

Molitor responded by saying, “I think it would be easier to come together, to create policies to change Salem. There would be issues with water, with teachers, with pensions, with so much. It’s not feasible.”

Curtiss spoke against the movement. “Idaho is a great state, but I don’t want to pay 10% sales tax. My birth certificate says Oregon. I was born here, I’d like to die here, we need to work with Salem.”

The next question addressed population growth, and its impact on housing, taxes, infrastructure, and business. Molitor answered, “We need to make sure our community is affordable. Those houses, those people, the new jobs, bring new resources and tax revenue as well. Part of economic development is new businesses. We need to make sure taxes are appropriate, so infrastructure is supported, and business is supported as well.”

Serving the outlying areas of the county was the next topic. Brockett suggested reaching out to the outlying areas and using surveys, input from community leaders and invitations to join discussions.

The next question focused on land use, and the creation of smaller farms in Jefferson County. Taylor answered, stating “My personal idea is that every tax lot should be buildable. We have so many that are rangeland that sit vacant.”

Stanfill then answered a question about a decision of the current commission they agree or disagree with. Stanfill spoke about his support for new flagpoles in the cemetery, which the commissioners approved. Molitor shared appreciation for the COCC expansion, supported by the commission lobbying for funding. Erdekian spoke against the appointment process for representatives on the Crooked River Special Road district, and suggested appointees should be better vetted. Curtiss shared his disagreement with the county’s decision to allow zoning changes on the ranch that would add 58 lots.

Curtiss was then asked a value he believed a commissioner should hold. He said honesty. “You need to be honest with your voters and do what you’re telling your constituents you’re going to do.” Brockett also answered, saying listening was essential, and support for the community.

McNamee was asked how she envisioned Jefferson County by 2029. She said “I’d like to know really what the public wants, public service and tax dollars should guide that. Outreach and collaboration are what’s needed to decide."

Taylor also responded, saying, “I see our county flourishing in five years, I see business coming in, taking advantage of opportunities coming along. I think we are going to get the highway fixed, were going to get homes built, were going to give hope to children and the people of our community”

The next question focused on unique skills the candidate would bring to the commission. Molitor began, mentioning his work as a former superintendent of the schools, and experience working with boards and the connections he brings within the community.

McNamee then spoke about her experience as the county tax collector, and all the connections she built within the county in that position.

Brockett was asked about her experience hiring, mentoring, and firing others. She spoke about her experience on juvenile work crews, where kids did not want to be there, and the importance of understanding your employees.

Taylor was asked about partnerships he’s consider as a commissioner. He said “I think we need to be able to look at partnering with anyone that will add value to our community. You have to be open and approachable; you have to reach out and seek people willing to team. I won’t be afraid to reach out."

The final question asked was: How can we hire the best? How to de attract really good applicants?

Erdekian mentioned the difference in contract bidding minimums in Jefferson County and other areas. “If we want people to move here, we need to show them they are welcome, that they have an equal chance to work, study, and educate. We need to elect people that have our best interest in mind."

The candidates then gave closing statements.

Curtiss spoke about his attendance at recent county commissioner meetings and plans to have weekly meetings with constituents to discuss issues. “I’m a negotiator, I can work this out.”

McNamee spoke about her experience as a public servant in Jefferson County. She also spoke about making sure investments were made to support the community, and are used by taxpayers, citing $1.5 million in farmland purchases by the county in the last five years and wondering if that was sound purchasing. “I bring to you the knowledge base that how much money is coming in, and how much is coming out to you as public services, not things you can’t use. If you vote for me, you’re voting for a change.”

Molitor spoke about the symbolism of the forum being held in the PAC, as he was superintendent when the bond to build it passed. "This is not the house that Rick built, but the house that we built, as a community. We use those funds to provide the best for our citizens if we put your hard-earned dollar to work for you. If that’s what I do, then I’ve done my job. I have experience to move Jefferson County forward.”

Taylor’s closing reiterated his assertion he is the only candidate that can address the water issue, citing his experience with ODFW. He then added, “We need a commissioner that’s not just a warm body but will fight for the people of Jefferson County ... I will make sure the failed policies of Portland and Salem don’t come here."

Erdekian spoke about this experience volunteering in CRR, his heritage as the grandson of two immigrants that fled Europe. “There is no challenge that I will not fight through. You’ve heard how I talk; you need to understand that I have a heart that is born of service, there is no glory here.”

Stanfill addressed the time he hopes to give to the position, and the need for support he sees in veterans and seniors in the community. He spoke about supporting the food bank, the museum, the fairgrounds, and getting flagpoles in the community fixed.

Brocket spoke about her love for the diverse community of Jefferson County, and her desire to learn and grow in the position. “I’m a team player and working with others is crucial to bringing successful outcomes in wonderful Jefferson County.”