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WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2025

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Oregon Transparency Laws and Ethical Expectations Ignored

Josephine County Commissioner Chris Barnett Continues to Defy Laws

By: John Oliver A pattern of evasion, defiance, and retaliatory behavior continues to cast a long shadow over Josephine County Commissioner Chris Barnett, whose actions are raising serious concerns throughout the region. His most recent conduct—ignoring valid public records requests and lashing out at members of the press—only reinforces fears that one of the county’s highest elected officials lacks both the respect for legal and ethical obligations and the mental fortitude required to handle the responsibilities of public office. The Grants Pass Tribune obtained copies of email correspondence this week revealing that Daniel J. Mancuso, publisher of the Illinois Valley News, issued a formal follow-up to a public records request originally submitted on April 27, 2025. The request sought videos and documentation related to Commissioner Chris Barnett but went unanswered for several weeks. In response to the silence, Mancuso resubmitted the request—this time

addressing Barnett directly and including other county officials—while pointing out the lack of acknowledgment. He warned that if the ongoing stonewalling persisted, he would file a formal petition citing an unreasonable denial of access under Oregon’s public records law. Rather than complying with the state’s open records statutes, Barnett responded by redirecting Mancuso to a Facebook link, asserting that any relevant content could be found on his personal page, which he described as a “personal” domain outside offi-

cial government purview. The commissioner went so far as to say that since the videos were “big files,” they were uploaded for public viewing on social media and therefore, by his logic, fulfilled the request. In a follow-up response, Barnett escalated the interaction, writing simply: “Quit harassing me. Last notice.” This type of response not only fails to meet the legal requirements of a public records request—it also reveals a fundamental misunderstanding, or outright dismissal, of what it means to serve as a custodian of pub-

lic documents while holding elected office. Under Oregon law, any government official conducting public business—even through personal devices or on social media—may be subject to public disclosure if the content pertains to official duties. Barnett’s refusal to acknowledge this, coupled with his characterization of a lawful request as “harassment,” sets a troubling precedent. In typical fashion, Barnett casts himself as the perpetual victim in a narrative of his own making. This incident is not isolated. It is part of a growing pattern of behavior from Commissioner Barnett that raises questions about whether he believes the rules apply to him at all. Numerous journalists, including those from the Grants Pass Daily Courier, have reported being blocked or stonewalled when requesting public documents. Others allege that Barnett retaliates against individuals who speak out or challenge him publicly— either by cutting off communication, making veiled threats, or resorting to personal attacks on social media and during public meetings. Barnett is already the subject of an active ethics complaint stemming from his creation of multiple online "news" platforms that appear designed to serve as partisan echo

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see BARNETT, page 3

Grants Pass Welcomes Japanese Musicians for International Band Exchange

GPHS and visiting students collaborate for music, mentorship, and cultural exchange

By Ginny Lee Music is in the air this week as the Grants Pass High School Marching Band welcomes 40 student musicians from Japan for a unique cultural and educational exchange. The visit, organized in coordination with the GPHS Band Boosters and Band Director, marks a continuation of a growing international friendship between the two schools, following last year’s visit by the GPHS Jazz Band to Japan. The exchange is more than just a visit—it’s a fully immersive experience designed to build lifelong bonds, foster cultural understanding, and elevate musicianship. Each visiting student will stay with a local host family, many of whom are GPHS band members themselves. This shared home-stay model not only deepens the connection between students, but also allows both American and Japanese students to learn directly from one anoth-

er in a personal, hands-on way that goes far beyond music. Coordinating the arrival of 40 international students is a complex undertaking that requires careful planning and collaboration. From arranging transportation and meals to scheduling rehearsals and performances, the effort involves parents, volunteers, and school staff working together. Despite the challenges, the rewards are significant—not only for the students and the music program, but for the entire Grants Pass community. Throughout the next two weeks, community members will have multiple opportunities to enjoy performances by these talented musicians. The Japanese marching band students will appear near the front of the Boatnik Parade, showcasing their precision and style on a stage few in the region get to experience. Due to a limited number of available instruments, the GPHS band will march further back in the parade to accommodate equipment sharing between the groups. This small logistical challenge underscores the cooperative spirit that defines the exchange. In addition to the Boatnik appearance, the visiting musicians will also perform in a special concert at the Grants Pass High

artistic excellence that is world-renowned, offering valuable mentorship and collaboration for the local musicians. Likewise, the visitors get a taste of life in a small American town, where hospitality, community pride, and a love for music run deep. As these students walk through town, rehearse in local parks, or enjoy ice cream with their hosts, Grants Pass residents are encouraged to extend a warm welcome— whether it’s a smile, a wave, or a simple “hello.” This kind of cultural connection doesn’t just happen in big cities or international arenas—it’s happening right here at home. Thanks to the combined efforts of parents, teachers, volunteers, and students, Grants Pass is once again proving that music truly is a universal language—one that sounds best when shared. School Performing Arts Center (PAC) later in the week. This event will give audiences a chance to hear a fuller range of music from both groups, celebrating the power of performance to bridge cultural divides. For the students involved, this experience goes well beyond the notes on a page. The Japanese students bring with them a level of technical discipline and