The Evolution of the Food and Beverage Tax
The Food and Beverage Tax (FBT) has taken on a prominent role in Ashland politics leading up to this year’s election. There is a lot of confusion about that tax, so it is worthwhile to... Read More
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
Ashland
An Open Letter to the Ashland City Council
Councilors, I beseech you to accept the staff recommendation to refer the City Manager’s two proposed initiatives to the voters this November. Please approve Resolution 2022-21 and a first reading of Ordinance 3212. Also please... Read More
APR Mismanagement Part 2 – Fiscal Irresponsibility
Supporters of increased funding for The Ashland Parks and Recreation Department have begun a campaign to have the Food and Beverage Tax assigned exclusively and without restriction to APR. There are two questions that must... Read More
The Water Monitor for June 29, 2022
Hyatt and Howard Prairie continue to draw down and Emigrant continues to rise as the Talent Irrigation District prepares to deliver water starting July 5. TID reminds customers with pressurized lines to not start irrigating... Read More
The Truth Comes Out
There was plenty of interesting conversation at City Hall last week. Two meetings, a City Council business meeting on Tuesday, June 21, and a Parks and Recreation Commission special business meeting via Zoom on Thursday,... Read More
Park’s “Pure” Power Play
It all began at the last City Council meeting. Just after public comment, Councilor Stephen Jensen made an unexpected announcement. He explained that an “ad hoc working group” had been formed consisting of himself, Councilor... Read More
Ashland ACES: The Park’s Costly Mismanagement
Ashland’s political campaign season has begun – with a battle brewing between the Parks and Recreation Commission on one side and the Mayor, some on the City Council and the city’s first professional city manager... Read More
Democracy Rests on Potent Checks and Balances
Mr. Runkel’s article “Budget Secrets” in the Chronicle is superb. Please read it. Mr. Runkel has done so much for our town and continues to do so. His comments reminded me of the previous budget... Read More