HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-002 Letter - Jackson Cty Board of Commissioners
CITY OF
ASHLAND
January 7, 2014
Jackson County Board of Commissioners
10 S. Oakdale
Medford, OR 97501
Honorable Commissioners:
The Ashland City Council requests that you refer to the voters a County Charter
amendment to make Commissioner offices non-partisan.
While taking no position on this issue, we believe it is important enough to warrant voter
approval or rejection. We note that Jackson County is now in the minority of counties in
which the governing body is elected in partisan elections, with 20 of Oregon's 28
commissioner-form counties electing their Commissioners in non-partisan elections. Seven
of the eight county court-form counties elect their County Judges on a non-partisan basis.
In the November 5, 2013, election, voters in Lake and Lincoln Counties approved the
conversion to non-partisan commissioner elections with majorities of 62% and 74%,
respectively.
We do not know if similar majorities support this switch in Jackson County, but we feel it
is reasonable to let the voters of Jackson County have their say.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
SiEbStrome
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yor.
On behalf of the Ashland City Council
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Tel: 541-068-6002
20 East Main Street Fax: 541-088-5311
Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900`
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