My View – October 2026

HERE IN TOWN, our history is not confined to museum walls—we’re surrounded by it every day—in historic buildings, old streets, familiar landmarks and even stories passed down from one generation to the next. Our history helps define who we are, where we came from and what makes our community unique. The opening of the new History Center at Old City Hall is a testament to this concept—it’s designed as a starting place to gain context for our living museum of a town.

Jacksonville’s story began during the Gold Rush era, when the discovery of gold brought miners, merchants and adventurers to this corner of Southern Oregon. What followed was the development of a thriving community, with businesses, homes and civic institutions that reflected the hopes and determination of those who settled here. Many of those historic structures remain today, giving Jacksonville an extraordinary connection to its past—as does a stroll through our historic cemetery.

With the General Election on the horizon, preserving our history should also remind us of something equally important: communities are shaped by the participation of their citizens. In the early days of Jacksonville, residents had to work together to establish businesses, build roads, create schools and develop the civic institutions necessary for a growing town. Today, our responsibility may look different, but the principle remains the same. We all have a role in determining the future of our community.

One of the most fundamental ways we participate is by voting. For a small town, every voice matters. Elections can influence decisions about public safety, historic preservation and the many services that shape daily life. Voting allows residents to take part in those decisions rather than simply watching them unfold. The same can be said for attending town meetings held by the City Council, Planning Commission, Historic Architecture Review Committees and others.

This election cycle, three citizens are running for three City Council seats—yes, it’s an uncontested race and features three outstanding candidates. Please join me in supporting two incumbents—Andy Hellenthal and Talon Reed, along with Beth Lindsay. You can read their candidate statements on page 11. While Jacksonville’s historic buildings may remind us that our community was built by those who came before us, our ballots should remind us that we have a say in the next chapter of Our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!