Cathy Shaw

Epic Ugliness in Ashland, Oregon: How Ugliness is Bad for Business

The Insurrection on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 was an attack on democracy. The same type of coup was attempted on June 29, 2021 in Ashland, Oregon. Four councilpersons conspired to thwart the will of the voters. An illegal motion was passed to allow two councilors to read defamatory testimonies to vilify the new administration. This display of anarchy was as ugly in Ashland as it was in Washington, D.C. (only without the violence!) …Read more »

How To Avoid Dumb-Talking Politicians: A Teachable Moment in Ashland, Oregon

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Voting Community: To help you vote in a knowledgeable and informed way, here’s commentary on a political issue brewing in Ashland, Oregon: A proposed amendment to the city charter which would change the operating structure at City Hall, diminishing the power of the Mayor and councilpersons. I’ll take a career professional any day over an elected BuBu (Bumbling Bureaucrat). Consequently I’m voting in favor of Measure 15-189. Following is my rebuttal to an article written by a has-been politician who supports the opposing view. Read on. But be careful where you step. …Read more »

What Fresh Hell Is This? More blatherings from over-the-hill politicians in Ashland, Oregon.

There are two measures on the ballot to be voted upon by the residents of Ashland, Oregon. Measure 15-189 involves switching the city government from a Mayor/City Administor structure to City Manager/Mayor. We on the editorial staff have been acquainted with only two mayors–both of which did not earn our respect for quality governing. Therefore, we recommend a YES vote to make this change to make Ashland a better city. And which hopefully will deflate the egos and influence of these two mayors. Measure 15-193 is about taxing the already financially-strapped citizenry to pay for a remodel of the City Hall building. This should be a time for civic austerity. Not a chance to construct fancy digs for city hall employees when businesses are failing and no one is helping them. Not a chance for self-serving politicians to get to brag, “Look what I got built!” Not a chance for public servants to serve themselves instead of who they are handsomely paid to serve. Therefore we recommend a resounding NO on this vanity project. …Read more »