" People who are pro charter are telling people that Al and John will not be effected by the charter. Some have been told that Al and John will be able to be commissioners if the charter passes. This has been related by dozens of people who have been approached by pro-charter people. Since you can't answer the question why voting for 1 commissioner is better than voting for 3, you are resorting to telling people what they want to hear and not the truth. At least you're being consistent since the story about the lie is always the same from the person who heard it. "

" Are you the same woman that was at the Tulelake Fair and so rude to Mrs. Hukill? I was at the booth when Mrs. Hukill was berated and continued to listen to the most angry and rude behavior in public. The things that you mention in our blog, were similar to what was spoken to her. I was there and heard it. She was so kind and so professional with that woman and her conduct. I want to answer your question about what experience she brings to the office of commissioner. She was a business owner, with employees, for 25 years and oversaw the running of the business from an administrative position. That is just one strong area of experience she will bring to this office. There are many more, but I will not talk more about her here. On the tax issue, a home rule government brings in the simple majority for elections, and it opens the door to all those areas of potential taxation. This is dangerous. Why don't you call her and ask her about her goals? Why don't you call the other two commissioners and ask them their goals. Quit complaining and find out the facts from them personally!!! Geez!!!!!!!!!!! what panic seems to prevail in this pro charter group. By the way, each candidate has publicly listed where their money has come from. What kind of question was that??? "

" In reading the information about the simple vs double majority I became concerned. I got out my copy of the Charter. I can only find one reference to simple majority:Article III Section 4. Quorum, it refers to "A simple majority of three of the five commissioners shall consititue a quorum for BOCC business." I can not find any reference to changing general voting public outcome?
To the person that says they asked one of the current candidates about goals, he could ask the current commissioners where are your goals? Where is your planning? Where is the plan B without Timber money? This will be an over 40 hour committment, an elected official is on 24/7. Ask yourself what is the motive of the opposition? Could it be job protection? Could it be some people don't want an experienced administrator? Remember this: no 2 charters are the same. Read up on the subject for yourself. The Charter fully states no new taxes! That takes a vote of the people. Commissioner raises can't be more then the increase granted to a majority of county employees in any given budget years (Article IV Sec 1 (6)). Look it up. The Charter is for the betterment of the community as a whole. Ask the opposition where their campaign money came from? As far as experience goes, ask Hukill for her previous goverment experience, not social clubs, actual government experience. Look what she put on her candidate info that is filed. "

" Why was this blog taken off the News Blog page when there was so much discussion going on? Please do an editorial to explain why you leave something from June (the airshow) and other blogs without many comments and take down the blog with the most. What is your determining factor to when you stop discussion? "

" To Knows The Truth;

The dual commonality you speak of between Commissioner West and Commissioner Brown is that they are both ill mannered, and ill tempered.

They both react in identical child like ways when they are challenged.

Though West was much smarter than Brown, they both lose all rationale when they lose a vote, or are questioned.

These are not qualities of a good leader, and the community is well served by their departures. "

" One of the charter-commissioner candidates was asked what his goals for the county are. He said he'd never thought about it and maybe he should. Do you want him to be the only one representing your district? "

" It sounds like they compared stories and Bill went into office with a "colored" perspective of the other two commissioners from Steve West. When you go into any job believing only one side of a story, and with "prejudgement" from a very unhappy person who could not advance politically like we wanted, then what do you expect? That is a lame excuse for why Bill is leaving office. Gee Whiz!!!!!!!! "

" Question:Why did Commissioner Steve West leave the Commission?

Answer: For the same reason Commissioner Brown left the commission.

Talk with them in person and you will understand- they both tell the same story.
They share a dual commonality in their experience with the commission. "

" Stop saying that it's always Bill Brown against the other two commissioners as it's just a lie that I'm sick of. If you think this, it's just you ill-formed opinion and you're not watching the commission meetings that are aired twice a week. Some of the pro-charter people will spread opinion as fact. A lie doesn't become the truth just because you are pro-charter. "

" To Gary;

It is a fact that the only bully on the BOCC is Bill Brown, as reported on more than one occasion in the Herald and News.

Since poor Billy can't bully the other 2 Commissioners into submission, he tried to launch a recall to get them back. Him and his other school yard bullies decided to scam our community, and disguise their recall as a Home Rule Charter since they knew a recall would not work.

They are pretending to care so much for our community that they just want to make things better. They have continued their bullying behavior with those that are opposed to this poorly written charter, written poorly because their motives are not pure.

They could care less about making things better, and more about getting back at the Commissioners that won't be intimidated by them. And boy oh boy have they tried to intimidate the other 2.

Our community is full of good decent people that will be so completely offended when they are informed of this scam, the recall, oh excuse me, the "charter" will fail.

Then what will the poor Billies. oh I mean bullies, try next?

Bill and his buddies should grow up, and learn that noone will ever be intimidated by them again. As much as they are trying to relive their bullying school days, this is the grown up world kids. Learn how to get along in it. "

" Commissions need to work together as a team. They may not always agree, but they need to work cooperatively together. What we have now is a two against one situation, and have had even before Bill Brown. Important information is not always shared among Commissioners, and it is done on purpose to spite the third Commissioner. That has to stop, and the Charter will make it happen. Also, with a County Administrator, the various County departments will have one boss instead of three. We now have three commissioner trying to manage the county.....can you image the outcome if three CEO's tried to run a large company and didn't share info with each other?
Vote yes on the Charter! "

" I would like to see transparency in our county govenment. I have lived in Klamath County all of my life and a majority of the comments are negative. People are tired of feeling duped. Of course a hugh majority of citizens have not "walked in a commissioners shoes", but the apparent "bullying" and secretivenss that goes on is sad. "

" In regards to the voters making the decision on new taxes under a charter government. What you failed to explain or just ignored, is the simple majority vs the double majority which we have now.
This is a HUGE issue that needs to be openly explained. Right now, as I stated in another blog, no tax issue can become law unless 50% of those who voted in our last governors race, actually vote. Then, 51% must vote in favor of the new tax in order for it to pass. For instance, if 8000 people voted during the governor's election, then 4000 would have to vote in the special tax election, Then 2,001 votes would have to vote yes for the new tax. If the charter were to pass, then a simple majority would rule. This means that they could call for a special election,which by the way, would cost the taxpayers, an extra $50,000.00. If they called a special election, lets say, in July when people are busy and on vacation, and only 500 people actually voted. If 451 voted for the tax, then all the citizens of the county would have to pay it. It is not good business for our county. PLEASE be aware of this "hidden secret" that they are not telling you! VOTE NO on the charter. "

" Somehow I was under the impression that in the United States all citizens have the freedom to choose what they think is best. This is as it should be BUT if this is going to be true they must have honest criteria to choose from.

Actually there are many forms of Charter government and each state and/ or county may have their own form. The only way one can tell what is in the one put forth for the Klamath County Charter is to get a copy and read it for yourself, and then make up your mind. There is much information out there about the charter that is simply NOT TRUE.

I have spoken with a number of the candidates that are running for commissioner under the Klamath Charter and everyone of them that I have talked with DO NOT consider this as a PART TIME position as is being put out to the community but have every intention of putting in full time, and doing the best possible job for Klamath County. My impression from talking with them that they are not doing this for the money, nor because they think they won't have to work terribly hard, but because they feel the system of government now in progress could be improved with this change and they are commited to improve it. "

" So how is representation going to be better in districts when, for instance, the one part time commissioner from Gilchrist would also be the same one for Keno? And, that 3 or 4 of the parttime commissioners could easily come from with in the city limits? Districting brings division. Only one commissioner could actually take care of concerns in a district. If they could not find that person, than what? I just talked to someone who worked under a charter form of government for 40 years and they said it was an absolutely nightmare. The costs went skyhigh-no savings, but bigger amd more expensive government. So, I am not voting for the charter. "

" Character and Honesty should be on the list of qualities that a county commissioner has.

I cannot understand why a majority of five commissioners wouldn't be superior to the majority of three to run the county. For years it has been two against one in many, many cases, not just with the present commissioners and that means that TWO people is running the business of all of Klamath County in many cases. NOT a good situation.

With a charter form of government there also would be representation from all areas of the county.

Under the charter the Commissioners CANNOT raise taxes without the vote of the people. A good commissioner candidate will have read this and understand that is what it says, not put out false information to try to scare the public.

In other words scare tactics, false information, respect for candidates running for the commissioner position and the information put forth needs to be honest, any thing else makes for very questionable candidates whether running for the old form of county government or for the new charter form.

It is necessary for people to read the Charter and not listen to the information that in many cases is untrue.

I will vote for the New Charter and hope to have better representation from all areas. "

" Certainly a commissioner serves Klamath County as a leader and should have the same qualifications in my opinion as any leader. They should first of all be acquainted with the problems and issues in the county. They need to face issues with an open mind and then be accountable for their actions. To be accessable to their constituents and respect them even though they might not agree with everyone but be willing to listen carefullly to what they want is important.I think that a commissioner needs to have had some experience with running some kind of businees or organization previous to being commissioner. One needs common sense and be honest with others including all county employees, their fellow commissioners and the citizens of Klamath County. A group of five commissioners as well as a budget committee that represents the entire county certainly is a better representation of the whole county than say four of six budget committee people that live within each other of an approximate six block radius as is the case at the present time. All in the Pacific Terrace area. I am not complaining about the budget committee I just think a better representation would be from all five districts. A Klamath Charter form of government would alieviate this situation. "

" We need some perspective, so let's talk about all of us(I am writing a blog too) who are employed. Who pays our wages, insurance, taxes, etc.? Is it not the customers we serve?? Are not the customers our "bosses" too?? If it were not for the customers purchasing or using our services, then we would not have a job, would we?? I think it is high time that everyone quits begrudging the elected officials about how much they are paid. I have heard it said that they work an average of 50 hours plus, because they must be available 24/7 for the citizens of the county. I have personally seen them at many functions outside the regular work week. When you point a finger at someone else, you have 3 pointing back at you. Just be thankful that there are citizens in this county who are willing to take all the garbage and rehotric poured out against them and still want to serve us, the citizens. Growing up, I was taught to honor people who hold positions of authority. I didn't say to always agree with them, but to understand that there are always two sides to every situation and not to believe one persons perspective until I knew the whole story. Enjoy your day at work and remember WHO you work for-the customers. Keep a smile on your face and serve them with good service!!!! That way, you will earn your wages. "

" When you say SOME of the charter commissioner candidates fit your description you are exactly right. You say they should not be abusive to their employees and they should have integrity and honor in their personal and professional lives. Those are admirable traits of a commissioner that I would be looking for. If you look into their personal and professional backgrounds and you will find that SOME of the charter candidates do not fit your description and have shown those descriptions to be an exact opposite of their actions. "

" To One Sided:

Your are mostly wrong. I agree with you, travel money should not be added in as part of wages, but the retirement and insurance is and should be.

First of all, I am not bashing the commissioners or anyone running for the charter commission, the voters will decide which way they want to go, but....as a county employee, wages and health insurance are always the two biggest negotiated items.

Depending upon what plan a county employee takes, the county pays upwards to 900-1200 per month per employee for health insurance.

The county also pays into retirement which is paid out after the employee retires.

So saying that health insurance does not count as a part of the wages is very wrong. If the county did not offer health insurance, you can bet the employees would negotiate higher wages. Most of us feel that health insurance is more important than higher wages. "

" Here are the qualities I think are necessary for a county commissioner:
Responsibility, Accountability, Respect, Honesty, Have an open mind, Ability to listen, Communication skills, Accessibility, Flexibility, Loyalty, Common sense and be Teachable (non of us know everything) Aa well as these qualities it is important for the commissioner to be knowledgeable about Klamath County itself. These things are listed on my brochure and I have filed for Commissioner post from Dist.#2. I have lived in Klamath County the past 38 years and although I would be representing Dist #2 I believe it is imperative to work with the other four commissioners to establish a plan with goals to help ALL of Klamath County prosper and grow. Sincerely Ruth Ann Patton. 13379 Crystal Springs Road, Klamath Falls, 97603 "

" To One Sided:
Who pays for the Commissioners health insurance, pensions, travel, use of the county cars or trucks? It is the tax paying public.
These benefits, which we all contribute to each and every commissioner each year, are paid for by the working citizens of Klamath County.
Please don't tell us that their benefits should not be counted toward their total compensation. It is that exact sort of parsing that is making the public so uncomfortable with the status quo. It is very remininscent of someone in government asking for a definition of the word "is".
We are insulted that whomever you are don't know that public tax dollars pay for every cent of the benefits package (excluding company mandated travel)paid to each and every commissioner and that those totals would be counted toward total compensation in any private business out there.
Is it true that two of the commissioners went to Hawaii on the county's dime in recent years? What is in Hawaii that can't be found somewhere in Oregon in another form of meeting? If they did not go to Hawaii could someone please state that in writing and sign your name to the statement.
If the travel re-imbursement should not be counted toward their compensation, then why did Commissioner Brown go to Washington DC and not represent the Coun ty Commissioners official position? It appears at least part of the travel expenses are discretionary and not officially mandated.
The old adange applies here "When you are in a hole, stop digging." "

" It is interesting to read all these blogs and the negative things that are being said about our current commissioners. Have they walked a day in their shoes? Have they given 50 plus hours a week to serve others? Have they toiled over difficult decisions and weighed out how the decision would affect the greater number of citizens? I have watched the commissioners on channel 3. It has been interesting as they go back and forth over an issue and then make a decision. This last Tuesday, Commissioners Al Switzer and Commissioner Bill Brown agreed together on an issue(I do not remember what it was), against Commissioner Elliott. When it was over, no one appeared to be mad or angry. This is how government works. But to all the negative people, who by the way, sure sound like the very ones who wrote this charter thing, they aren't happy about anything unless it benefits themselves. It seems so selfish to be so negative about those who are serving us right now. Where did honor for the office, go?? I would hope that these negative people who seem to emblish negative comments and name calling, are not the ones who are running for this proposed charter. I will NOT vote for it. I have listened to the two that are currently running and I am impressed with their body language, and the things they have to say. They seem very positive. They have my vote. "

" Government service is a sacrificial calling. There are always the ugly people who bully, persecute, assassinate reputations, criticize a person's family and do everything possible to discourage potentially great government servants just because they are in a different party. Leaders must be able to stand against thie personal attacks immature people fire against them. Experience is a valuable background in which character develops through testing so it is a plus in a leader. A lack of personal character means no ethics and eventual corruption. Length of service doesn't disqualify someone or make them a "good ol' boy;"; they may be doing a great job all through those years, like Al Switzer. We need statesman rather than politicians - people who aim high and reach the best outcome for the most concerned. Why don't we have more people seeking office? Because Americans have lost the concept of honoring their leaders. How many of your children do you encourage to enter government service? Are they avoiding this area because of your constant complaining and criticizing?Military service is also a great testing ground for a future government leader. Since It is not easy to lead, let's not shoot the leaders we have! Thomas Jefferson wanted as many citizens as possible to take their turn in government service. Are you holding back because of how you see leaders being treated? We should be thankful for the courageous amonng us who are willing to sacrifice their personal comfort and time in order to lead, seek out the best for us and to make good things happen for our City and County. "

" To Informed Voter: First of all, character and intergrity demands truth. It is public information that a commissioner makes $68,000.00. I know the pro charter people are telling everyone that a commissioner makes $112,000.00. I know this is being past around. When asked what that includes, this pro charter person said it included $10,000.00 of travel money. Boy, when did rembursement for travel become an income??? When did health insurance for each employee become an income to use as the wish?? When did the taxes owed by the county for each employee, become income to use as they wish?? Your lack of knowledge between what is owed to the government, to the insurance company, and travel, and what an employee, whether commissioner or employee, has to actually use for personal living, tells me that you believe in playing on numbers to deceive the actual citizen. Thank God, this charter is not going to pass so we will not have uninformed, partime commissioners handling a huge county budget. What a mess that would be. I will take experienced commissioners who have had businesses, administrative backgrounds, any day over what you have to offer. The citizens will not be fooled by your words. So, Vote No on the charter. "

" Like in baseball, I would like the commissioners to be like managers on the same team. Someone who can draw out production from all departments toward a common goal. For instance, the game issue of air quality, Encourage some farmers to grow something else, like pomegranites, drought resistant trees that don't take heavy equipment that contributes to pollution. Perhaps fines for cars/trucks/school buses putting out black smoke, switch to less diesal usage or raise the taxes of diesal gas since that puts out black smoke, encourage businesses to use electric cars for deliveries... Something like that where businesses, farmers, merchants, and us consumers all play a part in the common goal. A commissioner who will move though errors and fouls, violations to play fair with a winning attitude. The next game is the economy, and water, wait till civil right game comes up ...I think KF needs a commissioner like this to face future competition. "

" I would like commissioners who embody the term "public servant". The term "servant" means "one who is ardently devoted to a cause" (that cause is the public), according to Websters. In my mind that does not mean a career politician, earning twice or more $ per year than the average public citizen he or she serves.
The present commissioners earn well over $100,000 per year each with their insurance, benefits and salaries and travel expenses. I look for people willing, capable and very able to do the same job as these men, many whom are even better qualified than two of the three present commissioners.

There are some supremely qualified individuals seeking the commission seat on the five member charter.

These would be intelligent individuals, who have run state organizations or businesses.

They will listen carefully to their constituents.

They will be forward thinking and not egotistical about their jobs and positions.

They will have successfully had careers or businesses outside of politics (and that doesn't mean married to someone who works or acquired their money through a divorce).

They must be willing to be accountable to the public, with integrity and honor in their personal/professional lives.

They should not be abusive to their employees, no matter how much they disagree with an underling.

They should be humble, open to constructive criticism, and well read and knowledgeable about finances. They will learn the intricacies of public office just like the present commissioners initially learned - they don't need to be in the "old boys' network -preferable if they are not.
I know some of the people running for commissioner under the charter fit this description. There are some terrific individuals out there, willing and quite able to take over the office. "

" There are many traits Commissioners should possess.

They should be thorough in informing themselves about the issues before them, prior to voting on them.

They should be self confident enough to debate every aspect of important issues, while being statesmen like and respectful in their disagreements.

They should practice diplomacy and tact when opposing members of the community, and each other.

They should NEVER forget that they asked to SERVE the community, not be served by it.

They should agressively guard against behaving in a manner that brings embarrassment, or shame to our community.

They should NEVER launch a recall effort (disguise it as a charter) against their fellow Commissioners, merely because they disagree on a couple of issues.

They should be honest with our community at all times, and admit they are behind an effort to oust other Commissioners, and are willing to sacrafice our way of life to accomplish their goal. "

" A commissioner should have extensive past experience in business. This person should be capable of making tough decisions. This person should know how to manage and get along with people that may have different view points. This person should be comfortable enough to not worry about offending special interests that may affect employment. "

" We would like to have commissioners that are passionate and caring for all the citizens of Klamath County. Ones who do not just want something to do,looking for a part time job, or health insurance. Anyone can learn a job and be an accomplished employee. But add to that the passion for people and we will have awesome commissioners. Someone who isn't afraid to confront issues, teachable, and willing to learn from others their viewpoints and ideas. We do not need parttime commissioners who are torn between jobs to support families, or businesses that can distract them from the issues. Commissioners who are willing to say they are wrong when it needs to be said.
Also, we need commissioners, especially newly elected ones, that are learning about the issues of the county, state, and federal government. Have they shown interest in our county by volunteering or being a part of civic organizations? Are they known to our area? Do they have ethics and character and a good reputation in Klamath? "

" I'd like a commissioner who will put in the extra time it takes to read the background on the agenda items before the meeting. I know Al Switzer does this and I'd like the commissioners to follow his example. He takes a 40 hour per week job and puts in at least 60 hours because he's prepared before the meetings. I don't think we can get that kind of commitment from less-than-full-time commissioners. "

" I'd like a County Commissioner that wouldn't just follow his/her herd...his/her power clique. I'd like a Commissioner that would relentlessly ask tough, uncomfortable, detailed questions - especially regarding spending our money. And when he/she gets fogged with talk and blown-off by the political blow-hards [lik our two Good-Old-Boy incumbents], I would like a Commissioner that will publicly keep asking these questions and force decision makers to take responsibility and give explanations! "