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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2025

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Cronyism or Coordination?

Simon Hare’s $48,200 Contracts Raises Eyebrows in Josephine County By: John Oliver In Josephine County, political insiders are once again raising concerns over a pattern of favoritism and backdoor dealings that many believe reflect entrenched cronyism rather than effective governance. At the center of the latest controversy is former County Commissioner Simon Hare, who has recently been awarded not one, but two separate county contracts—totaling $48,200—for roles that he has no history of qualifications to perform. The contracts—first as the county’s Broadband Coordinator and then as its Budget Officer—have left many residents and observers questioning the transparency, legality, and motivations behind these appointments. Simon Hare, whose prior tenure as Josephine County Commissioner was marked by both controversy and budget mismanagement—including the issuance of 200 pink slips after a gross miscalculation—has returned to the public payroll under curious circumstances. In 2024, he was quietly contracted to serve as Broadband Coordinator for the county, a role focused on bridging the digital divide in rural Southern Oregon. The seven-month contract, effective June 21, 2024, pays Hare $2,500 per month with up to $2,500 in mileage reimbursement, capped at $20,000. According to the agreement, Hare was tasked with coordinating broadband stakeholders, developing outreach strategies, and spearheading grant efforts aimed at improving internet access in underserved areas.

ing allocated with little to no scrutiny, and the lack of oversight makes it nearly impossible to determine whether taxpayers are receiving any value in return.

The problem? There appears to be no publicly available scope of work or documentation of any completed tasks. A public records request submitted by the Grants Pass Tribune was delayed for 90 days, only receiving a response after a tort claim was threatened against the county. Even then, the county demanded $516 to release what it called “some” of the documents, raising further concerns about accountability and transparency. The records request, based on Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.410 et seq.), sought payment records, mileage reimbursements, and evidence of budgetary appropriations under ORS 294.305. The delay and partial response have only intensified public skepticism. No Broadband Results, But a Budget Job Next? Despite no visible deliverables under the broadband agreement, Hare was soon granted a second contract—this time as the county’s Budget Officer. The short-term agreement, dated March 7, 2025, and running through June 30, 2025,

tasks Hare with preparing the 2025–2026 county budget in compliance with Oregon law. Again, critics point to Hare’s lack of qualifications. His publicly listed résumé describes him as a “rancher,” with no evident background in finance, accounting, or municipal budget preparation. Nonetheless, he was awarded a one-time payment of $25,000, issued within the first seven days of the contract’s execution. Unlike typical hiring processes, there was no public posting of the Budget Officer position, no opportunity for qualified applicants to apply, and no recorded vote from the full Board of Commissioners. According to the contract terms, Hare could be compensated in full even if he worked only a single day. The circumstances surrounding this contract raise serious concerns about the integrity of the county’s hiring and financial oversight processes. The absence of transparency, defined deliverables, and a competitive selection process underscores a broader pattern of questionable governance. Public funds are be-

The “Good Ol’ Boys” Network in Full Swing These developments are not isolated incidents but seem to reflect a deeper pattern within Josephine County politics. The recent reappointment of Andreas Blech as County Commissioner—his second appointment in less than two years—has raised additional concerns. Blech, a longtime business associate of now-recalled Commissioner John West, was appointed to replace Dan DeYoung following DeYoung’s resignation over the infamous “Sit on my lap” comment to Finance Director Sandy Novak. Before his ousting in a successful recall campaign, West used his remaining political clout to install Blech, a move supported by Commissioner Herman Baertschiger, who has since retired but continues to exert influence behind the scenes. Blech quickly began reshaping county leadership, notably appointing Michael Sellers as the County Operations Director. Sellers now oversees at least six departments and was the official who approved Hare’s second broadband contract—despite the glaring absence of a defined scope of work or project deliverables. (Yes, there were two contracts: one approved by all three commissioners, and one that was not—but was paid anyway.)

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Earth Day is Approaching

How Southern Oregonians Can Prepare, Participate, and Make a Difference

By: Leaf Barret Southern Oregon residents are once again being called upon to think globally and act locally as Earth Day approaches on April 22. This annual observance, celebrated around the world since 1970, is a time to reflect on the health of the planet and consider how individual and collective action can contribute to a more sustainable future. In a region known for its natural beauty—from the Rogue River to the Cascade foothills—Earth Day is more than symbolic. It's an opportunity to reconnect with the land, community, and sense of shared responsibility. Now is the time to prepare to do your part. With a range of local cleanups, conservation projects, and educational events already on the calendar, there are numerous ways for residents of Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland, and surrounding communities to get involved. Whether you're a long-time environmental advocate or new to the movement, Earth Day offers a meaningful way to contribute. Participating can start at home. One of the simplest but most impactful actions individuals can take is to evaluate their daily habits. Reduc-

ing water usage, switching to energy-efficient appliances, composting food waste, and cutting back on single-use plastics are all attainable goals that benefit both the environment and your household budget. Residents can also support local agriculture by shopping at farmers' markets or participating in community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, which promote fresh, seasonal food with a lower carbon footprint. In Grants Pass, several Earth Day events are being organized by local nonprofits, schools, and civic groups. River cleanups are among the most popular and effective local efforts. Volunteers armed with gloves, garbage bags, and a commitment to beautifying public spaces often remove hundreds of pounds of debris from the banks of the Rogue and Applegate Rivers. These events are typically family-friendly and provide an educational component for children learning about ecosystems and pollution. For those interested in planting, many local nurseries and conservation groups organize tree planting and native species restoration projects. These not only help combat climate change through carbon sequestration but also restore wildlife habitats and support pollinators essential to local agriculture. Jackson and Josephine Counties both maintain calendars listing these types of volunteer opportunities.

Educational outreach is another powerful tool. Local libraries, schools, and community centers often host Earth Day workshops, film screenings, and guest speakers focused on topics such as climate science, renewable energy, sustainable gardening, and fire prevention. Attending or organizing such an event can spark dialogue and foster a stronger environmental ethic in the community. If you're unsure where to start, organizations such as the Rogue Riverkeeper, KS Wild, and the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy provide ongoing volunteer opportunities and resources to guide personal or group action. Churches, youth groups, and local businesses may also be organizing events tied to Earth Day, including

donation drives, recycling collection stations, or green product giveaways. It’s also a good time to engage with local government. Attending city council or county commissioner meetings and advocating for green policies—from better recycling programs to smart growth initiatives—ensures that environmental issues remain on the civic agenda. Writing letters, signing petitions, and voting with sustainability in mind are critical ways to support change beyond Earth Day. While Earth Day is a single date on the calendar, its true value lies in its potential to inspire long-term action. By participating in local events, adopting more sustainable habits, and supporting environmental initiatives, Southern Oregonians can help preserve the region’s natural beauty and resources for generations to come. Whether you pick up litter, plant a tree, or simply educate yourself and others, every action counts—and the time to begin is now.