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Jackson County Republican Elected Representatives
U.S. Congressman - Greg Walden
District 2 Oregon
Web site
SOUTHERN OREGON OFFICE:
14 N. Central Ave., Suite 112
Medford, OR 97501
Main: 541-776-4646
Fax: 541-779-0204
Toll free: 800-533-3303
State Senator Doug Whitsett
District 28
State Senator Jason Atkinson
District 2
Tim Freeman
State Representative District #2
Web site: http://leg.state.or.us/freeman
Dennis Richardson
State Representative District #4
web site: http://leg.state.or.us/richardson
Sal Esquivel
State Representative - District #6
Web site http://www.leg.state.or.us/esquivel
JACKSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Don Skundrick - Candidate County Commissioner - Position 1
Don Skundrick was born in Billings, Montana, Don moved with his family to Ashland in 1955. When his family bought a small farm in Talent, he transferred to Talent High School where he graduated in 1960. After graduation, Don served his country for four years in the US Navy as a radio operator on the USS Currituck off Vietnam.
Following his service, Don enrolled at Southern Oregon University (then know as Southern Oregon State College) and took a part-time job to pay for his education. At this point, two events changed his life forever. First, he met his future wife Sharon Merkle. He also began working part-time for M.C. Lininger & Sons, a local firm involved in supplying rock for the I-5 project. His talents were quickly recognized and he became a full-time employee. Don quickly asked Sharon to marry him, and he found a career that he loved in the ready mix business.
From scale operator to dispatcher to supervisor to manager to vice president of sales, Don advanced by working hard and showing a willingness to take on new assignments. These traits and experiences will serve him and the people well as your county commissioner.
During his 44 year career with Southern Oregon’s largest construction company, LTM (known today as Knife River Materials), Don learned first hand what it takes to create private sector jobs and the leadership skills needed to manage a complex operation. He also learned the value of giving back to his community. All of these skills will be put to use as your county commissioner.
Don has an extensive history of community service. His civic duty has involved countless hours working on a variety of boards and commissionsto make Jackson County a better place to live for everyone. Now, he is anxious to bring his high energy “can do” spirit as a member of the county board of commissioners. Visit Don Skundrick's Web site to see DON’S COMMUNITY SERVICE http://electdonnow.com
John Rachor County Commissioner - Position 3
John Rachor is a lifelong resident, longtime local business owner (Local Burger King Franchise), family man, outdoor sportsman, and pilot. He is a Southern Oregonian and stands for our common values, beliefs, and principles.
As a business owner in Jackson County for over 33 years, I have experienced the turbulent waves of our local economy and have never had to lay off a restaurant employee. As your commissioner, I will use my years of experience to help manage the county budget, address issues within the county, and deal with state and federal government.
Fiscally, it is my goal to provide effective leadership and keep county expenditures below collected taxes while maintaining necessary services.
A track record of making good decisions should be a prerequisite in serving as your commissioner. The current county administration has done a good job of managing our assets. But can we do better? Yes, and that is why I am offering my years of experience to build and strengthen the current foundation economically.
Will Rogers said: “Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just stand there.” It is my goal to keep Jackson County moving forward.
"I want to be your Jackson County Commissioner. I believe we are on the right track, but need to continue finding ways to reduce government waste while best serving our residents. I have the experience, dedication and common sense approach to accomplish this goal, and I look forward to the exciting future ahead of us." Web Site http://votejohnrachor.com
County Commissioner - Dennis C.W. Smith - Position #2
Dennis C.W. Smith is the newest member of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, taking office in January of 2005; and was re-elected in November 2008. Commissioner Smith served as chair of the Board for 2007 and 2008.
For the 2009 calendar year, Commissioner Smith is the Board liaison to the County Administrator, County Audit Committee, and County Counsel as well as the following county departments: Fair Board, Development Services Department, Urban Renewal, Economic & Special Development, Natural Resources Advisory Committee (NRAC), Veterans Affairs, and Watermaster. He is also liaison to the County’s Justice Services Departments, which includes the Sheriff’s Department, Community Justice, District Attorney, and the Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC).
Commissioner Smith also serves as liaison to the following non-county departments: Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service Regional Advisory Committee, Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Inc, RVACT, MPO, Medford Chamber/TRADCO, O&C Executive Board of Directors, and Legislators. Commissioner Smith is Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) 2nd Vice President, and serves on the AOC Board of Directors and Legislative Committee.
Commissioner Smith is perhaps best known as being the Jackson County Sheriff from 1983 to 1995, where he was involved with many new and innovative programs. He brought Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) to the youth of Jackson County. He was also elected president of Southern Oregon Drug Awareness. C.W. was responsible for revitalizing Jackson County’s Search and Rescue program, and reinvigorating the Jackson County Marine Patrol program. C.W. Smith was voted Oregon Sheriff of the Year for 1989-1990.
Besides his Jackson County law enforcement career, Commissioner Smith served as interim City Manager for Lakeview, Oregon, and as Police Chief for the City of Talent. He was also a radio talk show host, a private insurance business owner, and the manager of a large farming operation. C.W. is a native Oregonian who was born in Medford and raised in Central Point. He graduated from Crater High School in 1966, where he was elected student body vice-president. He also served in the United States Air Force and is a Vietnam Veteran. C. W. and his wife, Gina, have three adult children.
C.W. Smith served as the Jackson County Sheriff’s Administrative Services Division Captain from 2003 to 2004.
Mike Mclane - Candidate State Representative - District 55
Mike McLane has deep roots in rural Oregon. He grew up in Condon, where he worked summers on local farms and ranches. Mike attended Oregon State University where he received a degree in Agricultural Resource Economics in 1987.
Mike has the work ethic and values rural communities need as they fight to retain jobs and attract new economic opportunities. In addition to serving on the Prineville / Crook County Economic Advisory Board, Mike is a partner in Central Oregon’s oldest law firm – Bryant, Emerson & Fitch, LLP. Mike fights on behalf of small businesses and those in agriculture to make sure that their efforts are rewarded.
A little known fact about Mike is that he is also the co-founder and former CEO of a publishing company that produces educational books for children. One of the company’s book series inspired a highly acclaimed CBS Saturday morning cartoon show called Flying Rhino Junior High. Mike co-authored Wooden Teeth and Jelly Beans, a best-selling children’s book on U.S. history and the presidents.
After graduating magna cum laude from Lewis and Clark Law School, Mike clerked for Justice Michael Gillette at the Oregon Supreme Court. He went on to work at Oregon’s largest law firm, Stoel Rives LLP. He also served several years as a circuit court judge pro tem in Deschutes County.
Mike is a strong supporter of public safety and rural emergency response. Mike has served as a special prosecutor for Multnomah County and worked for the US Attorney’s office where he helped prosecute drug and violent crimes.
Mike is passionate about leveraging our local resources to bring back jobs and promote economic growth. To him, that also means creating more local control over water rights and land use planning.
Mike and his wife of 22 years, Holly, met while she was serving as the FFA state president. Today, Mike and Holly live on a small farm with their three children. Web site http://votemclane.com
State Representative Sal Esquivel - District #6
Biography
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Sal was raised in Medford and still lives in West Medford to this day. After graduating from Medford High School in 1966, Sal joined the Navy where he served our country in Vietnam from 1969 through 1970. Upon his return to Medford, Sal went to work in the wood products industry at KOGAP. Highly-motivated to succeed and driven by the work ethic ingrained in him, Sal rose to a supervisory position - one of the youngest persons to ever reach that post. During this time, Sal attended Southern Oregon College (now Southern Oregon University) to further advance his knowledge and skills. In 1982, Sal set out on a business path of his own and created a successful heavy equipment and parts business. After moving on from that, he's been involved in real estate related industries. From these business ventures, Sal has grown to understand and appreciate what it takes to run a small business.
To understand Sal is to understand the pride he feels in his accomplishments as member of the Medford City Council. Taking a leadership role, Sal brought together local Rotary Clubs, the City of Medford and students and parents to create playgrounds at Jackson, Howard, Roosevelt and Wilson elementary schools. Also, seeing a need for a more efficient government, Sal was instrumental in the hiring of the city manager. The influence of Sal Esquivel on the Council helped change a "have to spend" philosophy to a "retain and save" attitude in Medford government.
In March of 2003, Sal was chosen to replace Senator Lenn Hannon to represent District 3, which includes the cities of Medford, Ashland, Phoenix, Talent, Jacksonville and part of the Applegate region. Shortly after his appointment, Representative Rob Patridge announced that he would not be running again for his State Representative position. Sal chose to run for the House seat of District 6 because he knows Medford so well after almost eight years on the City Council. He served out the nine months remaining in the Senate, garnering knowledge and experience to take to the House of Representatives.
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