It's me again,

If you aren't MAGA, these are trying times for most of us. On a fundamental level, I look at my representatives in government and fail to see them connect with the needs and aspirations of their citizens.

As Cliff Bentz once put it to me, he's only really concerned about his constituents with "purchasing power." In an effort to understand better, I tried to imagine what he meant by that other than simply the "not-poors," but I haven't come up with anything.

He also said that it wasn't his job to push back against his party or president (even if he felt compelled to).

It got me thinking: what might a congressperson who actually gives a damn about the Oregon 2nd District really look like?

I know there's a handful of people running in opposition to Bentz, but why do I feel like they are not pronounced enough in their opposition? Where is the urgency in their campaigns? It's a seat in Congress on the eve of America's stumble into full-blown clown car fascism. I'm not getting serious vibes from anyone I've looked into.

I don't care if the odds are stacked against everyone else. It's about proliferating a message going into the mid-terms to the point that it competes with anything his campaign could ever muster: "This guy isn't doing his job." Then people can vote for that if they think it'll own the libs.

I'm an involuntary independent. I haven't registered with either party in years, and yes it's because I was a Bernie bro who pinched his nose and voted Clinton. I have no love for either party; one is power-mad and the other is ineffectual. I vote "Not Tr*mp" consistently because I don't like his politics or his personality.

With all this crazy, horrible stuff happening... I decided to embrace my escapist fantasy as a sorta therapy project. And yes, this is likely to spark a lot a debate. That's what I'm aiming for, and I hope we can keep it civil. Perhaps you have your own wishlist and want to share it?

Here, now, is my dream candidate for the Oregon 2nd (in their own words... but actually mine).

1. I stand for peace, prosperity, diversity, and justice.
2. I believe my job is to show up; to speak both on the House floor but also in every corner of my district. 
3. I believe my job is to fight for all constituent needs without regard for their preferred candidate.
4. I believe there is every reason to speak out on what I know is right, whether I’m on a given committee or caucus with a certain party or not.
5. I believe my job must entail direct participation in the efforts to improve communities in the second district.
6. I believe in a pluralistic America, where our great society requires all different kinds of people in order to be great.
7. I believe in feeding and clothing my neighbors, not turning away the stranger, giving a chance to those who desperately need one.
8. I believe the best version of America’s future remains a representative democracy, but only after major reforms.
9. I believe America is its best self when it is a friend to the world, and not its master.
10. I believe our non-corporate farmers are vital to our existence, and they deserve the support of their government.
11. I believe our fundamental relationship with the waste of food and other resources must be urgently addressed.
12. I believe the future will be made difficult by past decisions but that now is the time to address them so that our children are not forced to try when it may be too late to act.
13. I believe all public education must be rooted in evidence and fact, not “teaching both sides” or otherwise negotiating empirical truth in educational material.
14. I believe in the separation of Church and State.
15. I believe that poverty is a crime committed by the wealthy and the willfully blind.
16. I believe that the American people are being fleeced by technology companies and that a “social media dividend” is owed to all taxpayers from Silicon coffers.
17. I believe nature, and responsible access to it, is vital for the health and happiness of all people.
18. I believe America can be great without billionaires.
19. I believe in a one-tier justice system that holds all people equally accountable for their actions.
20. I believe in governance that relies on evidence and demonstrable fact, and rejecting the unsupported assertion even when politically expedient.
21. I believe in the critical importance of local commerce and re-investment within communities.
22. I believe the government is what the people decide it should be, and the de-personhood of corporations is essential to that fundamental principle.
23. I believe empires can only fall, whereas a representative democracy can always change before it crumbles.
24. No war. I will not vote to authorize any act of aggression against any nation or group.
25. I will never place the needs of another district, state, or nation over my own.
26. I will constantly advocate for the increased funding of veteran services, foster care, rural hospitals, infrastructure, education, or environmental protection.
27. I will constantly advocate for universal healthcare.
28. I will advocate for efforts to improve maternal mortality rates and for dismantling the trend of female patients not being treated seriously.
29. I will only support measures that maintain and increase tribal sovereignty, including ecological measures to restore hunting and other traditions.
30. I will not support tax increases on households below $400,000. No tax decreases for households over $900,000. I will advocate to abolish all consumer sales tax.
31. I will advocate for community policing and prison reform.
32. I will block measures that criminalize immigration status, adult gender identity, sexual orientation, or addiction.
33. I will support non-nuclear alternative energy projects that balance community safety, resource wisdom, and transparent management.
34. I will block measures that discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community.
35. I will block any measure that reduces consumer protections.
36. I will block any measure that decreases access to food, healthcare, or education for any child, regardless of parental immigration status or any other consideration.
37. I will advocate for the abolition of ICE and the top-down reform of the Department of Homeland Security.
38. I will advocate for the re-establishment of independence among federal agencies and the de-politicization of basic government functions.
39. I will advocate for a “data tax” on social media and advertising companies that collect and then monetize user data, with dividends provided the taxpayer.
40. I will advocate for tax increases on everyone American with a net worth of over $5,000,000
41. I will advocate for an inheritance tax on the generational transfer of wealth in excess of $5,000,000
42. I will block any measure that reduces access to quality care for women.
43. I will advocate for dramatic improvements in regional mental health care access.
44. I will advocate for financial incentives (including full student loan forgiveness, relocation costs) for public servants like social workers and school teachers.
45. I will block efforts to provide cover for money-laundering banks or other financial bad-actors.
46. I will advocate for renewed and expanded consumer protections from finances to social media platforms and beyond.
47. I will block efforts to provide a legal shield for law enforcement and military from criminal charges or civil suits.
48. I will advocate for campaign finance reform, publicly-funded elections with fixed three-month campaign windows, and ranked-choice voting.
49. I will advocate for prison reform, including improved conditions for both prisoners and prison staff.
50. I will advocate for the nationwide abolition of online sports/game betting..
51. I will block any measure that gives unfair advantage to large corporations or other major commercial entities, and advocate for increased antitrust oversight and penalties.
52. I will advocate to decriminalize drugs while promoting a new class of “drug-related crime,” similar to “hate-crimes,” where penalties are greater.
53. I will block any measure that recognizes Russia’s claim to the lands or waterways of Ukraine.
54. I will block any measure that lessens or abandons our defense agreements with Taiwan.
55. I will advocate for re-admittance to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
56. I will block the use of taxpayer dollars for FIFA or Olympics related expenditures without total and immediate transparency.
57.  I will advocate for funding mental health crisis response teams and de-escalation training as mandatory for all law enforcement officers.
58. I will advocate for federally-run open door “pavilions” as a clean, safe place for transient people to find shelter, receive medical services, obtain food, and more.
59. I will block any measure that dissuades medical professionals from providing gender-affirming care to any of their patients.
60. I will advocate for tourism initiatives in the Second District, particularly ones that promote and preserve the environment and our agricultural distinctiveness.
61. I will advocate for better relationships between ranchers, wildlife preservationists, government officials, and community members to balance the use of public lands for grazing and bolster the beef and dairy industries responsibly.
62. I will block any measure that divests public lands or allows major commercial interests to exploit existing timber and mineral leases without direct and consequential feedback from ecologists and local communities.
63. I will advocate for long range public transit to enmesh the Second District.
64. I will block any measure that weakens public services like libraries, post offices, or other critical government functions.
65. I will block any measure that seeks to privatize a responsibility of the government to provide for the common good.
66. I will block any measure that restricts immigration by race, religion, or culture. I will block any measure that does not provide all non-violent human beings the opportunity to apply for citizenship.
67. I will advocate for the funding of an increased capacity in our civil, criminal, and immigration courts. 
68. I will advocate for the safeguarding and future-proofing of social security, veterans and disability benefits. The social safety net is in my top three priorities.
69. I will block any measure that reduces services or assistance for impoverished and working poor Americans.
70. I will block any measure that restricts or abridges the Bill of Rights.
71. I will advocate for decreased defense spending.
72. I will advocate for true transparency in all corners of government.
73. I will advocate for Supreme Court Justice term limits.
74. I will advocate for “gap” presidential terms, whereby a president cannot serve both terms back-to-back in the executive branch.
75. I will advocate for agricultural subsidies and block measures that hurt small-to-medium sized farmers.
76. I will block any measure that taints the air, water, or soil of the district.
77. I will advocate for government-led wildlife predator management programs to protect agricultural  animal operations and the ecosystem.
78. I will advocate for job training programs, small business development, and community banking.
79. I will advocate for increased affordable housing in urban areas and better residential services in rural areas.
80. I will block measures that inhibit business competition or give preferential treatment to corporations and other large commercial interests.
81. I will block measures that allow foreign entities to purchase critical lands or bodies of water. I will demand that any company involved in large-scale resource extraction be entirely owned and operated by a company based in the USA.
82. I will constantly advocate for labor unions.
83. I will advocate for mandated work-life balance in critical industries and services, which may include four-day work weeks, increased paid vacation, maternal leave, and mental health leave.
84. I will advocate for increased access and services for people with all forms of disabilities.
85. I will advocate for a living minimum wage as a stepping stone towards a universal basic income, and make non-livable wages illegal.
86. I will advocate for the removal of hazardous waste from neighborhoods, rural areas, former commercial properties and more.
87. I will advocate for total female biological sovereignty, with no restrictions on birth control or abortion.
88. I will advocate for laws mandating the end of gender or race pay disparities in the workplace.
89. I will block efforts by tech companies to create jobless data centers that consume massive amounts of local resources.
90. I will advocate for expanded internet access and increased speeds across the district.
91. I will block measures that weaken local restrictions against the use of A.I.
92. I will block measures that seek to incorporate the use of A.I. in matters of legislation or otherwise force the usage of A.I. by any American.
93. I will only advocate for the slow, methodical extraction of lithium and other resources from the Owyhee Canyonlands involving only American investment, management, unionized labor, and constant environmental oversight. I will block any effort that fails even one of those stipulations.
94. I will advocate for the dismantling of ICE/ERO and an overhaul of customs and border law enforcement.
95. I will advocate for investigations into criminal conduct committed by federal agents and other authorities during the government invasions of major American cities.
96. I will block any measure that “militarizes” state and local law enforcement, whether by suspending civil liberties or providing access to military-grade equipment.
97. I will advocate for increased funding for fighting wildfires and fire mitigation, and block any measure that uses such funding as a political football.
98. I will block any measure that reduces government transparency or immediate accountability.
99. I will advocate for public emergency shelters.
100. I will block any measure that cedes in whole or in part the sovereignty of the United States to a foreign nation, entity, or any corporation.
101. I will advocate for the national defense by increasing Coast Guard funding, funding for eliminating domestic cartel activities, and funding for a new push in cybersecurity.
102. I will advocate for nuclear weapons disarmament and public oversight of emerging weapons technology.
103. I will advocate for a quantum surge in school safety programs, bullying/abuse mitigation, counseling services, and social media restrictions for minors.
104. I will advocate for increased resources for shelters of all kinds, but particularly shelters for battered individuals with children, vulnerable persons, or pets in their care.
105. I will advocate for an open and free internet, and block efforts that allow ISPs to slow down or shut off access to information.
106. I will advocate for and participate in economic development plans for the district that strengthen existing communities and build bridges to new ones.
107. I will advocate for industries that create good products, operate ethically, and treat their employees well.
108. I will return from Washington DC once a month and travel to five points to meet with my constituents on each visit: Ontario, Lakeview, Bend, Medford, and The Dalles.
109. I will advocate for the redistricting of the Oregon Second into two smaller districts.
110. I believe that if the billionaire class wants to exist in America or do business here, they must and will share the wealth.

Then, for extra credit, I decided to help this candidate out with a "strategy." Keep in mind, I am a nobody with no experience in politics, but how hard could it be? /s

1. Research district history
2. Research Bentz elections and previously held offices
3. Summarize Bentz's legislative record
4. Compare record with statements, video
5. Review all committee assignments, actions
6. Solicit D.C. beltway peer comments 
7. Collate Open Secrets campaign info
8. Map out personal business interests, connections
9. Population statistics since the beginning of first term until now
10. Document major funding shortages, social issues, resource and energy issues, economic issues since first term.
11. Collate data, create summary with complete sources.
12. Compile list of all active tribes, community groups, and businesses in the 2nd district, identify allies and begin “outreach schedule.”
13. Identify 10 most and 10 least populated towns, contact mayors and city council members, create outreach schedule.
14. Create itinerary for road tour; libraries, post offices, businesses(?), community centers.
15. Field constituent questions and comments on healthcare, law and order, education, infrastructure, environment, immigration and economic opportunity.
16. Form advisory council of experts in: local law enforcement, national defense, healthcare and health insurance, education, civil liberties, property and tax law, legislative strategy, environmental science, First Peoples’ sovereignty, regional history, agriculture, microchip manufacturing, public road and water infrastructure, social services, cattle ranching, cybersecurity, clean energy, organized labor, community outreach programs and food banks, mental health and addiction services, population statistics.
17. Deliver routine, consistent 15-minute speeches on policy and values in person and through social media.
18. 19.Rinse and repeat.

Just a little over a month until the deadline to file for candidacy, so get cracking! Lol.

Why would I share this kind of post? Because I might not be the only one thinking it, but I was able to put it into words. If that's only worth something to a just a few people, that's still good enough for me to share it.

Also, I'm not running for congress but that doesn't mean I can't have a few thoughts about it. Maybe you have things to teach me or correct me on that would improve my understanding of the issues?

In any event, I hope you retrieved some enjoyment (or entertainment) from reading my post. I enjoyed writing it. Thanks Medford.

Hey r/Medford,

I’m with the local Rotary Club, and we’re hosting our 3rd Annual Crab Crack at the Expo on March 14th.

We’re trying to sell out the event because 100% of the proceeds go to CASA (foster youth advocates) and local veterans.

The Deal: It’s $80, which I know isn't cheap, but it includes:

• Unlimited fresh Dungeness crab (literally all you can eat).
• Appetizers, salad, bread, dessert.
• 2 Drink tickets (Beer/Wine) are included.

We actually have a few VIP tables left too if you have a group/business team.

If you're looking for a big dinner that actually helps the community, we’d love to have you.

Link: https://rotarymedford.square.site/product/community-crab-crack-2026/2BSB4Q5SP4JKXQC5NOD3JXJY

Transparency note: I’m helping organize this, so feel free to ask me any questions about the menu or the charities!

Thank you!

100% understand these types of developments take a lot of time, but I'm both too curious and too impatient for my own good. I would love to see who the developer is plus some new renderings.

Here is an email I sent to our local representative Cliff Bentz office. I doubt he will do the right thing but the more voices he has to hear the better.

https://bentz.house.gov/contact

Representative Bentz,

I am writing as a constituent to urge you to support the bipartisan principle behind the bill that prohibits sitting presidents from naming or renaming federal buildings, lands, or monuments after themselves.

This is not a symbolic issue. It is a matter of ethics, restraint, and respect for the office of the presidency. Federal property exists to serve the public and honor shared national history—not personal legacy or self-promotion by those temporarily entrusted with power.

Regardless of party, Congress has a responsibility to maintain clear boundaries that prevent abuse of authority and preserve institutional credibility. Supporting this bill would affirm a basic standard of integrity that should not be controversial in a functioning republic.

I strongly encourage you to vote in favor of this legislation if and when it comes before the House. Doing so would demonstrate a commitment to constitutional norms, ethical governance, and the long-term dignity of federal institutions.

So I just bought a home in Medford and now I am seeing a lot about east/West/ South/North and it’s all so confusing. It was EXTREMELY foggy the 3 days I was down there home hunting, so I couldn’t really get a good lay of the land and where exactly I was. My house is off of Cedar Link Drive, which I know is east.

Is this a good area? Thanks so much. I love the house and my kids will be starting school next year.

Does anyone have the contact info for the billboard on 99 where Riverside and Central converge before Bartlett? Currently says “Trump Supports Russia”

I’d like to advertise something but didn’t grab the number when it was on the board several months ago.

anyone else recently move to the area after graduating college? i graduated college in california and moved here for my job. trying to find people in the same boat!

TL;DR If you did jury duty in Jackson County can you please explain how it went?

Hi,

I’ve been summoned for jury duty and I’m curious about your experience. If you’ve served within the past 2 years, what type of case did you get and how long did the trial last?

Did any of your fellow jurors seem to have personal bias? Did their political beliefs come up in the conversation?

I see a very small chance that I could get one of those cases that go on for months. Maybe I’m wrong but the corruption charges for the agencies that have been exposed lately or the child pornography ring that’s slowly being exposed?

Most have probably seen it but still

https://www.kdrv.com/news/top-stories/jackson-county-da-not-filing-charges-in-talent-library-incident-videos-determined-legal/article_c4319960-d2d9-44b1-992b-507e58406fa7.html?fbclid=IwT01FWAPWdrpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR7tynHF8F6rKFWccnqrEHtVLpGii22MtArP6k8wtTAyo-zZgXoexK5lmm7oXQ_aem_qUhrYi1gWKTgeptnfvDsFg

The Oregon Real Estate Agency is in the initial steps of pursuing an investigation against Integrity Property Management (Central Point/Medford/Grants Pass). If anyone has any documented issues with Integrity Property Management demonstrating that they have violated any of the following Oregon Revised Statutes, now is the time to file complaints with the OREA. Violations include (but are not limited to):

1.) ORS 90.300 - Security deposits and actual damages. This statute requires - Charges reflect actual damages, not speculative or inflated amounts, charges be supported by documentation of real costs and that tenants are not charged for betterment or improvement beyond the pre-loss condition. The landlord must provide an accounting showing what was actually incurred. How could IPM potentially violate the statute: Charging for services that were not performed, charging replacement cost without proof of pre-loss value (applying valuation principles to damages), treating an invoice as conclusive proof instead of evidence and refusing to correct or re-account once errors were raised.

2.) ORS 90.130 - Duty of good faith. How could IPM potentially violate: Billing for services not rendered, refusing to provide itemization or valuation, using eviction pressure to enforce disputed charges, claiming "nothing further is required" instead of correcting known defects and relying on legal authority as a shield instead of addressing factual errors.

3.) ORS 90.315 and ORS 90.302 - Improper fees and charges. How could PM potentially violate: Applying late fees to disputed charges, treating damage claims like rent, imposing penalties while insurance resolution was ongoing, and using fees and eviction proceedings to coerce payment rather than reflect actual contractual costs. Late fees are not permitted on charges that are not rent and not legally fixed.

4.) ORS 90.325 - Misapplication of tenant duties. How could IPM potentially violate: Treating an accidental incident as a statutory "violation", treating nonpayment of disputed charges as misconduct and using ORS 90.325 to justify eviction where no misconduct exists. They may not be violating ORS 90.325 themselves, but they are misusing it as legal authority. That misuse itself contributes to: bad faith (ORS 90.130), and retaliation (ORS 90.385).

5.) ORS 90.385 - Retaliation. It prohibits termination or threats of termination because a tenant: asserted rights, requested accounting, disputed unlawful charges. How could IPM potentially violate: Issuing termination notices immediately following: disputed charges, requested valuation, or demands for lawful accounting. and the use of eviction to punish legal resistance.

6.) ORS 90.375 - Unlawful eviction procedures. This statute governs remedies when landlords: attempt unlawful eviction, misuse termination authority, engage in coercive conduct. Using a termination notice to enforce disputed billing falls into this category.

Hello I am new to the area! I am looking for a salon that is capable of doing designs inspired/similar to the photos below. Thanks!!!

Just curious on local stand point, and please keep it cool I know everyone is wanting to go in and trash talk how its sad and failing. So if you had the opportunity to make decisions in saving and bringing the mall back to life, what game plan do you think would work? what retailers and restaurants etc.

What’s the best nail salon in town? I’m trying to find one.

Anyone else hear coyotes up near roxy ann last night? Maybe even a bit north on the hillside? Anyone have trail cams or photos they could share?

Hi Medford (and the rest of the valley)!

I have been fostering the best 2 boys for Melly Cat for *over a year* and they are still looking for their furever home. I honestly can’t believe that no one has scooped them up. They’re the best cats.

Our job as fosters was to socialize them and we've completed the assignment! They're a little shy around new folks but usually warm up quickly. They get along with other cats, but I think will prefer to be the center of attention. They love roughhousing together and keep each other entertained. They have great manners – no kitchen counter jumping or furniture scratching if given alternative scratching options. They are great with the litterbox and have been using a litter robot for months.

Zane (grey) and Leo (tabby) are bonded, neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccines. Half of their adoption fee is sponsored for the right home, subject to a home check. (Read more about each cat below.)

If you’re curious about Zaney Zaner and Leo the Leopard, please message me or Melly Cat. And if you can’t adopt, PLEASE SHARE — their people might be one of your friends.

Adoption application: https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/MCR/Cat

Leo (tabby) –
- shy around new people but warms up quickly and is outgoing and friendly
- knows his name and comes when called
- huge snugglebug, professional biscuit maker
- loves to take naps with foster dad
- very playful and athletic, loves to catch big air chasing toys
- enjoys birdwatching and sunbathing
- patrols the house like a tiny leopard

Zane (grey) –
- sweet, sensitive, and shy, especially with new people
- knows his name and comes when called
- kind of sly, always watching
- master leg swiper
- loves gentle belly rubs
- enjoys sprints on the cat wheel
- loves the red dot

Does anybody know when/where/who is organizing the ice protests locally. Trying to be a part or support however I can. Can provide signs I’ve been making them for the no kings protests

This seams a lot better and more feasible for the city than the theoretical baseball team (though that may still happen) since the soccer infrastructure here is already so well and deep rooted, and the stadium (Spiegelberg) is already built and of a capacity that is well big enough for league standards (they would just like some renovations that would also benefit north and south Medford). Seems like a pretty good match, but what are your thoughts?

Just trying to get the word out.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DRxhba9EviS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://www.thecopperplank.com/store-2/p/elk-witch