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FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025

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County Commissioner Chris Barnett: More Focused on Clicks Than County Governance? Barnett has been accused of leveraging media sources such as The Oregon Grape, Real Live News Southern Oregon, and The Oregon Eagle—platforms he and his allies own or influence—to push misleading narratives, attack political opponents, and discredit independent journalism. In addition to these outlets, Barnett also uses his personal and various real estate and business social media pages to promote his political agenda, as well as his new venture, "Josephine County News." Those who disagree with him on these platforms reportedly find themselves blocked, raising concerns about his ability to govern fairly and objectively, as well as his adherence to the laws governing political office in the state of Oregon. Meanwhile, traditional news organizations such as the Grants Pass Daily Courier and the Grants Pass Tribune have been labeled "fake news" by Barnett and his supporters. The hypocrisy of this claim is evident: Barnett expects residents to believe that only news coming from his personally aligned sources is legitimate, while dismissing everything else as false or biased.

By: John Oliver Less than a month into his term, newly elected Josephine County Commissioner Chris Barnett has already sparked controversy—not for fulfilling campaign promises or enacting policy changes, but for prioritizing social media engagement, self-promotion, and media control over effective county governance. For many residents who voted for him, this reality may come as a shock. However, for those who have been paying close attention, it appears to be a continuation of a troubling pattern. A Commissioner More Interested in Publicity Than Policy? Barnett’s approach to governance suggests that he views his role more as a media personality than a county leader. Instead of prioritizing policy, budgets, or the needs of the community, he appears to spend a significant amount of time on social media and other media platforms, some of which he allegedly controls or funds. Voters argue that he focuses more on creating attention-grabbing headlines and promoting personal interests, such as posting videos of his daughter’s basketball game across multiple county pages, rather than engaging in the real work of governing. His behavior mirrors that of his political ally and financial backer, former Commissioner John West, who has been known to align himself with news sources that fit his narrative or that he owns. Instead of confronting legitimate news outlets or addressing the truth, Barnett takes to the airwaves, where his prerecorded, edited messages go unchallenged. However,

when it comes to direct interaction, whether through a one-on-one meeting or an email, there is often silence. West, who was recalled due to allegations of self-serving politics and unethical behavior, was accused of manipulating media narratives for his benefit. Now, Barnett appears to be following the same playbook, using similar tactics to push his agenda, silence critics, and discredit opposition.

Weaponizing Media to Control the Narrative One of the biggest concerns surrounding Barnett is his use of media to suppress dissenting voices. His approach is simple: if you agree with him, you are amplified; if you oppose him, you are deleted, blocked, or even legally threatened. In a democracy, where free speech and open dialogue are fundamental, this pattern is particularly concerning.

Potential Ethics Violations Looming Barnett’s media entanglements may present not just a political issue but a legal one. According to the Josephine County Charter and Oregon state law, a commissioner must avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise their ability to serve the public fairly. As a sitting commissioner, Barnett owns and operates several businesses within the

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see COMMISSIONER, page 3

Grants Pass Faces Significant Snowstorm, Impacts Schools and Businesses What to Expect for the Rest of the Week By: Leaf Barret This week, Grants Pass saw more snow than the area has experienced in quite some time, resulting in school closures, halted government operations, and disruptions to local businesses. The unexpected storm, which began on Monday night and continued into Tuesday morning, blanketed the city in several inches of snow, creating challenges for residents and visitors alike. While the snowstorm brought some beauty to the Southern Oregon landscape, it also prompted cancellations, including school closures and the temporary shutdown of the county courthouse and other businesses around town. For many, this snowstorm was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter in the region, where mild weather is often interrupted by sudden cold snaps and heavy snowfall. The combination of slick roads and accumulations of snow forced schools in the Grants Pass area to close for the day on Wednesday. Parents scrambled to adjust their schedules, and local businesses were im-

pacted as well, with some choosing to close early due to safety concerns and lower foot traffic. While the snowstorm caused significant disruption, the community has shown resilience, with many helping neighbors and working together to weather the storm. The Josephine County Courthouse also closed its doors on Wednesday, delaying legal proceedings and operations, while several businesses in the downtown area chose to temporarily shutter. Some smaller stores had difficulty keeping their doors open as sidewalks became slippery, and parking lots became difficult to navigate for cus-

tomers. Snow and ice removal efforts were underway throughout the day, but many establishments opted for caution by closing early or staying closed for the day entirely. With schools closed on Wednesday, parents and children took to staying home and adjusting to the sudden shift in routine. According to the Grants Pass School District, schools are set to reopen on Thursday, with buses and school staff prepared to navigate the roads safely. Superintendent Jennifer Bradley noted that, while the district was working closely with road crews and local law enforcement to ensure student safety, the forecasted weather

looked more promising for Thursday, with warmer temperatures expected to help clear roads. As for the remainder of the week, the weather forecast remains unpredictable. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will warm slightly over the next 48 hours, potentially melting some of the snow accumulation. However, the possibility of additional snow showers and icy conditions remains throughout the week, particularly as the weekend approaches. The snowstorm’s departure is expected to bring slightly warmer temperatures, but residents are still advised to monitor road conditions and prepare for potential icy spots, especially overnight when temperatures could drop again. Looking ahead to the weekend, meteorologists predict that the weather will remain cold

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see SNOWSTORM, page 7