Q: What is you Party Affiliation?
A: Even though the position of County Commissioner is a non-partisan position, I feel it necessary to elaborate on my political preference.
I was born into a conservative family and those values are still strong in me today. True conservative values, not the kind proclaimed by some Republicans today, but the traditional old school values. To expand on what I believe, a true conservative is someone who preserves traditions, institutions, and values. Someone who thinks long-term and is cautious about rapid change. I believe that a true conservative speaks up for what is right and does not bow to social or political pressure.
As I expand even more on this, I will start with traditions. Traditionally, conservative-minded folks believed not only in limited government and fiscal responsibility, but they believed in personal accountability, something we see very little of today. They also understood that governing means working with people who do not always agree. Not long ago, Republicans could debate hard, stand on principle, and still come together with Democrats to solve real problems. There was a shared understanding that compromise was not weakness, it was part of the job. You did not have to give up your values, just be willing to listen, find common ground, and put the public ahead of politics. I believe that is a tradition worth getting back to.
Long-term thinking and a healthy caution toward rapid change have always been indicators of conservative values, but I feel that this mindset is getting lost today. Conservatism, at its core, was about looking down the road, weighing consequences, and making sure that what we build today actually holds up tomorrow. It was not about resisting change just to resist it, no, it was about getting it right. It was about taking the time to ask hard questions, understand the impacts, and avoid unintended consequences. These things used to be seen as responsible leadership, not obstruction. That kind of steady, thoughtful approach is something we need in our local government.
Growing up, we had BBQs, parties, and gatherings with people from all walks of life, including folks who were not Republicans. We didn’t see each other as labels, we saw each other as neighbors. Today, it feels like that has changed. If you’re not in the same political party, some people think you shouldn’t even be talking, and others are surprised, or even upset if you do. That kind of division does not build strong communities, it tears them apart. This is a big part of why I’ve stepped away from party labels and registered as a non-affiliate here in Josephine County. Labels are driving wedges between people, and our communities are paying the price when we stop working together to find real, positive solutions.
This is my understanding of being conservative, it is how I was raised. My morals, my values, and my focus on doing what is best for our communities all come from that foundation. I may not carry the Republican label today, but at heart I align with the kind of leadership we saw in the era of Ronald Reagan, grounded, principled, and focused on results. I believe our local Republican Central Committee has drifted from those roots, and I hope to see a return to traditional conservative values, along with a renewed sense of accountability for those who choose to attack others before taking the time to listen and understand.
Please fill free to contact me if you’d like to know more about me.
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