When Jackson County residents vote May 15, they'll notice blank spots under some local governmental board positions and only one option under some others.
Local boards are infamous for drawing scarce interest, as they demand a lot of time and no pay.
But some local positions of public office attract more attention than others.
"It's really hard to judge exactly why people don't run for office," said County Clerk Kathy Beckett. "In a lot of cases, people are happy with the board members representing them and see no reason to oppose them.
"It also takes a lot of time and energy to serve on boards."
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"A lot of the reason for having more candidates is we have an involved community," said Doug McKinley, Eagle Point Position 4 incumbent. "I see that as a positive. I'm sorry the candidates decided to run against me, but I don't look at their interest as a negative statement against me."
McKinley's opponents include cattle rancher Mark Bateman, retired educator MaryAnn Olsen and Bob Wille, retired.
Corporate controller Spencer Davenport is the only candidate for Eagle Point School Board Position 1 after incumbent Teresa Hulla withdrew.
The Eagle Point district has recently been beset with litigation with its insurance company and a former construction contractor. It has gone through a series of superintendents. Its most recent superintendent, Bill Feusahrens, was demoted in June for reasons the school board could not disclose, citing restrictions under state law.
On May 9, the Eagle Point School Board is slated to choose a new superintendent to replace interim Superintendent Kerm Bennett who has since filled Feusahrens' post.
Davenport said he decided to seek election to the board because the district's academic results don't match the community's economic and residential growth.
"Rather than sit back and complain about it, I decided to do something about it," Davenport said. "I look forward to seeing what's ailing the school district. Education takes the majority of tax dollars, yet there are students going into Eagle Point High School who are still illiterate. It boggles my mind."
Bateman said he also is unhappy with some of the decisions the board has made, such as a recent pay raise for administrators.
Not all who filed for election, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the board.
Olsen, a retired educator from California, said she feels her experience will enrich the board.
"I just picked a position," Olsen said. "Because of my attendance at school board meetings I know the school board is trying to improve test scores and the general image of the school district. I think they're headed in the right direction, and I want to assist that if possible."
And, McKinley said the district has made progress in recent years toward its academic goals.
The Central Point School Board is well-established with its newest members, Bradshaw and Faubion both logging two four-year terms and its most experienced member, Dick Dunn, having served 38 years.
"Some people have expressed interest in serving on the board but don't because they are pleased with what's happening," said Central Point schools Superintendent Randy Gravon. "Often, when we get people who want to serve, we offer to put them on other committees."
In the Medford School District, where leaders have been under scrutiny recently as they progress with a $189 million bond package voters approved in November, only one candidate filed for each of four vacant board positions.
"I was surprised I am unopposed just because I thought more people would be interested in being on the school board with the new bond to make sure everything is run properly," said juvenile detention counselor Brian Penland, the only candidate for Position 1.
Penland is a son of Peggy Penland, a 13-year Medford School Board member who does not plan to seek re-election.
Project manager Kevin Christiansen, a former applicant for appointment to the school board, has filed for Position 7.
Incumbents Mike Moran and Larry Nicholson are seeking re-election to positions 4 and 6, respectively.
Serving on a school board can often equal more than a part-time job in time, depending on how involved a board member choose to be, Peggy Penland said.
"You have to have a very supportive spouse and employer," she said.
"Anybody can do it. It just takes time and tenacity."
Reach reporter Paris Achen at 541-776-4459 or pachen@mailtribune.com.
If you are interested in running for public office as a write-in, please, call the Mail Tribune at 541-776-4459. The last day to register to vote is April 24.