Please include a daytime phone number and address for verification. We cannot print letters, even e-mail letters, without verification.

We're interested in the comments of all our on-line readers, but we can only publish letters from residents within our Southern Oregon and Northern California circulation area. Sorry, we cannot publish poetry.

Writers are limited to one letter every 30 days.

Address your letters of 250 word or less (150 words for thank you or election letters) to:

Letters to the editor
Box 1108
Medford, OR 97501

Fax (541) 776-4376.

Or send your letter e-mail to:

Election letters

Regarding the April 27 "County race offers choice" article by Alberto Enriquez:

I know neither Jack Walker nor Skip Knight. However, I am amused relative to Skip Knight's statement, "He is the better one because he is better educated" in that he has an MBA while Jack Walker is only a high school graduate.

I have been in educational and professional fields for over 50 years. Letters behind one's name do not mean knowledge; they only mean seniority in the classroom. Education without common sense is dangerous. Jack Walker hit it on the head when he said, "sometimes a little common sense makes up for a lot of education."

The following did not have an MBA but all had a lot of common sense: Socrates, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, President Truman and the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Mr. Knight, your unwarranted attack on Jack Walker's educational level insults my intelligence.

Vote for Jack Walker, the candidate with common sense.

-- William G. McIlvaine, Medford

I had the pleasure of listening to Ron Grensky speak at our church recently. I found him to be a refreshing change from lawyers that I have dealt with in the past. He made it clear that he much prefers mediation over litigation. I felt that I was listening to a man who truly has integrity. He clearly has the interest of fairness for all.

I look forward to voting for Ron Grensky.

-- Greg Brown, Jacksonville

I have been following the public comments and advertising in the newspapers and the streets of our community in an attempt to make an informed choice for judge on the circuit court Position 3. I perceive both candidates to be amiable, experienced, and capable attorneys.

I also find the opinions of the local legal community to be virtually unanimous in favor of Judge Arnold. These are the people whose opinions I respect because they are in close professional contact with both candidates.

I am uncomfortable with the politically weighted flavor of the Grensky campaign. Mr. Grensky has held political office and is pursuing this position in a strident, aggressive campaign. Such activity seems inappropriate in a contest where judicial evenhandedness, impartiality and respect for these qualities from the members of the practicing bar are required.

I will vote for Phil Arnold.

-- Milt Goldman, Medford

I endorse Ron Grensky for the following reasons:

1. A Medford native, he has served 20 years as a lawyer.

2. He is the only judicial candidate with legislative experience.

3. He is not a member of the ACLU.

It is beneficial to the public to have a judge with legislative experience because it enhances his interpretive functions.

When one launches a judicial career, he expects to be elevated to higher courts. Once on the bench, however, the attainment of the perspective of a legislator is remote. Having that background helps in formulating an intelligent judiciary.

Recent examples are the careers of James Redden and George Van Hoomissen, both Democrats. They were elected legislators and administrators prior to being elevated to the judiciary -- Redden to U.S. District Court Judge, and Van Hoomissen to the Oregon Supreme Court.

Grensky may achieve similar prominence. Vote for him now!

-- John De Zell, Central Point

May I add my voice to all those who are voting for Ron Grensky for circuit court judge? I want to go on record as supporting Ron for this important position just as I supported him for the state Senate. Good luck Ron.

-- Catherine Hoover, Medford

I know Ron Grensky to be a hard-working, honest and moral family man. Ron has been a successful lawyer, judge pro-tem and state senator. He certainly has enough experience to quality for a judge's seat. I am proud to be able to vote for Ron for circuit court judge.

-- Kathi Ehrlich, Medford

As I end a teaching career spanning more than 35 years, I retire with mixed emotions and great concern for the students that I am leaving behind. When I close my classroom in June, the room will be 90 years old. The building needs constant repairs to keep the elements from overwhelming the structure.

Paint and wallpaper cannot hide the stress on that building. No longer do I have faith that the children would be able to exit three floors in case of emergency. As we enter the 21st century, please join me in voting yes on May 19.

I will willingly pay the pennies per day that the bond will cost. The students and staff members deserve a facility that will be safe, inviting and conducive to education. I extend an invitation to visit my classroom and observe some of the needs of the students of District 6.

-- Barb Garnish, Central Point

I voted for Skip Knight for City Council and I believe he would be a great county commissioner. We need a voice for the people to be carried to both the incorporated and unincorporated parts of Jackson County.

I have known Skip to be the kind of person who studies the issues, talks to the people and has the courage and diligence to tackle difficult jobs. Please vote for Skip Knight for Jackson County commissioner Position 1.

-- Sherry Smith, Medford

Would 91 percent of your peers openly and actively endorse you for one of the highest positions in your firm? If so, then they are convinced you have integrity, dedication and the skills to get the job done.

Phil Arnold has overwhelming support by his peers. But, if you're still not convinced, then why does he have overwhelming support by those involved in the community-at-large? Because, he has qualities that matter to all of us regardless of how we interface with the justice system.

Judges deal with our community issues such as civil matters, drug issues, crime, children and divorces. Judge Arnold has demonstrated the patience to sit through these situations day after day and treat people with the respect they deserve. He is able to make fair decisions based on facts, not assumptions or personal opinions. Please join us in retaining Judge Phil Arnold.

-- Jack and Andrea Patterson, Medford

Perry Atkinson is going out and listening and talking about issues with the voters of the district.

Greg Walden is listening to Bob Smith. Even in his commercials, Bob Smith seems to be doing most of the talking.

It is a conflict of interest for Bob Smith to draw his congressional salary while he is out campaigning and raising funds for Walden. Also consider that he has a lobbying business in the family.

It looks like Smith wants to retire and have his voting power, too. I don't like that.

-- D.L. Tucker, Medford

To vote is our American privilege, and our vote goes for Ron Grensky. He will serve well as our next circuit court judge of Jackson County. Being a native, he understands well the issues in the Rogue Valley.

A truthful, honorable man who favors no special group, he is dedicated to family values. We strongly support Ron Grensky.