Marsh and White: The Candidates for Position Number 6

This year there are two positions on the local (Ashland) city council and we are covering the two candidates for position number 6 of the city council. The two candidates are Pam Marsh and Theo White.

Starting with Pam Marsh, who is running to retain her current seat on the city council. Marsh, according to her profile on the city site, is involved in not only “the management and operation of Green Springs Inn”, but also the “Ashland Emergency Food Bank”. Marsh also “serves as a board member of the Family Nurturing Center”. During the election forums Marsh talked about some ways to boost the economy in Ashland, a place where many enjoy the abundance of businesses and activities located throughout the Rogue Valley. She goes on to talk about community building in Ashland and how events such as the fourth of July parade and the many winter activities contribute to the community in bringing it all together, including listening to many of the business located throughout the valley and what they have to say about what’s going on in the local business community. Marsh, in turn, in regards to the biggest challenge question, also mentioned below with Theo White, talks about how money is the biggest challenge. Not only with the city in general, but also with the cost of living in Ashland and affordability in general. Marsh’s three priorities are diversity (resilient and healthy community), economic development (family wage jobs), continuation of projects (partnerships with non-profits).

Ending with Theo White, who is the second candidate running for position 6 on the city council. White has attended colleges in Idaho, Iowa, and Ashland’s own local university. Some of the big things mentioned by White during the election forums is how tourism, Southern Oregon University, and the Shakespeare Festival all contribute to Ashland’s strengths, with this White also talks about “keeping the interest of the people in mind as far as how the money is spent”. During the forums White talked about compromise being the biggest challenge in regards to being on the council, if he wins the election, before going on to mention GMOs and complacency. White’s three issues are expansion (how people want to keep the city quant and simple, public safety (making sure the council and police are on the same page), and sustainability (separate from the federal government; independence).

Both Pam Marsh and Theo White presented interesting, and relevant, answers to the questions asked during the election forums, which should help with the decision making process. Overall both Marsh and White are good candidates who care about the Ashland community and the rogue valley as a whole.