In early January—a few days before President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address—City of Ashland Mayor John Stromberg gave his State of the City address. “Nationally, 2015 was a tipping point year,” he began, “by which I mean that on multiple issues a significant number of people

Young, ambitious, and focused, Medford City Councilman Kevin Stine takes a moment to sit down with the Rogue Valley Messenger and tell us why he’s not your average local politician—and also to provide his perspectives on the past year and what to expect from Medford City Council in 2016.  

Interestingly, the proposed ban had been discussed at Medford City Council for the past few months—and until last Thursday, November 19, not a single person had showed up to formally opposed the idea to ban indoor and outdoor marijuana grows within the Medford city limits. In early November, with little

Amount spent by Jackson County on March special election to implement a 25 percent tax on marijuana sales, a measure the county commission is expected to negate: $105,614.22 Amount in marijuana sales necessary in Jackson County to re-generate those funds spent on a special election, if the county receives an

On any given night in Ashland, there are an estimated 300 homeless men, women and children. It is a high number—especially so when considered what a hefty percentage of the general population that represents, and that compared as a ratio of the general population to other cities, like say, Portland

From the perspective of many business-owners in Grants Pass, the idea for a sales tax—in Oregon?—came like on an unwelcome, fast-moving thunderstorm. There had been rumblings some three years ago, when the city apparently conducted a phone survey to judge interest. But then, the idea seemed to go quiet again.

Gorgeous fall this year, don’t you think? It must have been that cold snap a few weeks ago that splashed our deciduous trees with an amazing palette of color! While the visual scenery is beautiful and soothing, those of you who raise a vegetable garden know that the fall season

Nearly 18 months ago, voters in Jackson and Josephine County voted to ban genetically modified crops—or, GMOs, as they are better known. It was David versus Goliath politics. “We won that imitative on $20,000 because a group of citizens came together – liberal, conservative, someone from every stereotype,” says Mary

When the OLCC come to Southern Oregon University for its listening session, one of the final speakers to address the panel looked positively terrified as he approached the mic. “I’m concerned about whether criminal records will make it harder or make it so people can’t pass through the licensing,” he

In a new series, the Rogue Valley Messenger catches up with public officials in the region, and asks for their insights into local issues—and solutions. Retired banker Henry “Hank” Williams is the Mayor of Central Point and has won six consecutive elections; he also serves on the Rogue Valley Area