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FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026

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Credit Claimed, Vote Cast

Representative Dwayne Yunker Faces Questions After Funding Claims Collide With Legislative Voting Record By John Oliver A political dispute that has been building quietly around the funding of several Josephine County projects intensified this week after Oregon State Representative Dwayne Yunker publicly defended his role in bringing state dollars to the region, even as legislative records show he voted against the bill that ultimately delivered those funds. The debate comes after a recent community gathering in Grants Pass where Yunker highlighted several large state-funded projects tied to Josephine County. During the presentation, oversized ceremonial checks were displayed showing allocations of two million dollars connected to development in the Spalding Industrial Area, one million dollars tied to horse racing improvements at the Josephine County Fairgrounds, and additional funds directed toward local infrastructure efforts. The presentation, which emphasized the financial scale of the projects and their potential impact on the local economy, created the impression that the funding was the result of direct action by the representative’s office. But a closer examination of the legislative record reveals a more complicated story. The projects referenced during the meeting were funded through Oregon House Bill 5204, a statewide budget reconciliation measure passed by the legislature as part of the state’s ongoing

appropriations process. When the measure came to the floor of the Oregon House of Representatives, it passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 54 to 2. Representative Yunker was among the two lawmakers who voted against the bill. Ed Diehl cast the only other dissenting vote in opposition to the bill, joining Representative Yunker as one of just two lawmakers to vote against the measure. That vote has since become a point of contention among residents who question how a legislator can claim credit for projects funded through legislation he opposed. Like many statewide budget bills, HB 5204 included a wide array of spending provisions affecting multiple sectors of state government. The measure moved through the legislature after negotiations among lawmakers and budget committees and was ultimately signed into law by Governor Tina Kotek. Under Oregon’s legislative structure, funding allocations of this type are typically the result of months of negotiation involving multiple legislators, committee members, and executive branch officials. Individual lawmakers can advocate for projects within their districts, but final approval of funding requires passage through both chambers of the legislature. As the debate unfolded locally, the contro-

versy expanded beyond the vote itself. The Grants Pass Tribune reached out to Representative Yunker for clarification regarding his vote and the way the funding allocations were presented to the public. He declined to respond directly and instead addressed the issue on his personal social media accounts, where he attributed the criticism surrounding his vote to political opponents. In that online statement, Yunker wrote that “Democrats in Josephine County are working overtime to push propaganda” regarding his vote on HB 5204. That claim has been met with pushback from those familiar with the publication’s track record. The Grants Pass Tribune operates as an independent outlet and has consistently stated that its reporting is grounded in verifiable facts, not political alignment. While its coverage has at times aligned with conservative viewpoints, its editorial position remains rooted in independent,

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see REPRESENTATIVE, page 5

Dustin Calvo Seeks Re-Election as Josephine County Treasurer Emphasizes Experience, Transparency, and Financial Accountability Editorial Staff As voters in Josephine County begin to evaluate candidates for Treasurer, a position responsible for overseeing and safeguarding millions in public funds, incumbent Dustin Calvo is seeking re-election while pointing to his direct, hands-on experience in managing county finances. The Treasurer’s Office plays a critical role in investment oversight, compliance with Oregon law, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are protected through sound financial practices. In an effort to provide voters with clear, consistent information, the Grants Pass Tribune submitted the same set of questions to all declared candidates for County Treasurer. As of publication, Calvo was the only candidate to respond. Below is a full question-and-answer interview outlining his qualifications, approach to financial management, and views on transparency, accountability, and public trust.

Professional Competence The Josephine County Treasurer is responsible for safeguarding and managing millions of dollars in public funds. What direct experience do you have in public finance, investment management, accounting, or treasury operations that demonstrates you are qualified to manage taxpayer money? As the current Josephine County Treasurer, I have direct, hands-on experience managing taxpayer funds. I oversee the full lifecycle of treasury transactions, including recording all activity from county bank and investment accounts. I am solely responsible for evaluating investment offerings, selecting appropriate instruments, and coordinating with our brokerage and safekeeping partners to ensure accurate execution and settlement. I routinely review safekeeping reports to verify interest accruals and ensure earnings are properly credited. While the Finance Department manages most countywide account-

ing functions, I work closely with the Finance Director and her staff to ensure all transactions are accurate and properly recorded. As a working Treasurer, I also support staff with customer transactions and assist other departments when questions arise regarding treasury processes or transactions. Understanding of Oregon Law Oregon counties must follow strict financial rules under state statutes and local budget law. What specific Oregon laws or financial

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see CALVO, page 4

Storm Systems Snarl U.S. Air Travel Network By Ellen Ward A powerful late-season storm system sweeping across large portions of the United States has significantly disrupted air travel, grounding thousands of flights and straining airport operations during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. From the Midwest through the Northeast, a combination of heavy snowfall, strong winds, and reduced visibility has forced airlines and federal aviation officials to slow or suspend operations at major hubs, creating a cascading effect across the national air traffic system. Airports in cities such as Chicago, New York, and Atlanta have experienced some of the most severe impacts, with hundreds of flights canceled outright and thousands more delayed as crews and aircraft struggled to keep pace with rapidly changing conditions. The storm’s reach has extended beyond its immediate path, affecting flights nationwide as delays in one region ripple outward through tightly coordinated airline schedules. The Federal Aviation Administration implemented ground stops and traffic flow restrictions at several key airports as conditions deteriorated, prioritizing safety while reducing the number of aircraft moving through congested airspace. These measures, while necessary, contributed to longer delays and extended wait times for travelers already facing disruptions. Aircraft arriving late into major hubs often missed their next scheduled departures, compounding the problem and leaving airlines scrambling to reposition planes and crews. The timing of the storm has further complicated the situation. With spring break travel underway in many parts of the country, passenger volumes were already elevated, leaving little margin for error within the system. Airports operating near capacity under normal conditions found themselves quickly overwhelmed as cancellations mounted and rebooking lines

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see STORM, page 9