CJ’s mayor sees crime as big issue
From our weekly issue dated October 31, 2007
“Crime.”
That one word expresses what Mayor Tony Paulson feels is the most pressing problem for the city of Cave Junction.
Paulson went on to say that he feels voter rejection of any tax to fund increases in police protection is proof that the community feels it is adequately served. He added that he has noticed an increase in petty crimes and harassment, usually involving young people.
“People don’t seem to understand that you get what you pay for,” is the way the mayor expresses his frustration for the financial situation faced by the city.
Mayor since January 2005, he said that his experience has been an eye-opener. Initially he attempted to balance full-time, night-shift employment with his duties as mayor, but found too many minor problems slipping through the cracks.
He quit his job with Fire Mountain Gems because of the conflict to devote his full attention to the unpaid job of mayor of the city of some 1,600 persons.
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His primary complaint seems to center on what he believes to be public misconception as to the role of the city council.
“It’s not about our opinion,” said Paulson, referring to the limitations of the council’s role. He sees the council as an “overseer of regulations,” namely the Oregon Revised Statutes.
The example he used was his vote to approve the opening of a topless bar last year. He said that he had no basis legally to oppose the operation, and was required to vote in favor of a business opposed by the community-at-large.
The business never opened, and the location now is occupied by Hometowne Interiors behind Bi-Rite Auto Parts.
Recent controversy concerning developments in Cave Junction city limits by Manor Communities Development LLC, of California, was cited as another example of the council’s limitations.
Paulson said that public perception that the council is a “rubber stamp” for the company is unfair. He emphasized the restrictions set on the council by state laws. Manor Communities Development is represented by Larry Osborn, a developer; and Carlyle Stout III, a Medford real estate attorney.
As for legalities involved, the mayor emphasized that “myself and my staff are making sure that he (Osborn) is doing everything he needs to be doing.”
Paulson stated that rumors of an Albertson’s being slated for construction at the north end of the city are unfounded. He said that as yet the council has not been approached by any businesses or corporations.
He did say that the city recently tried to entice a cheese factory to come to Cave Junction.
The cheese-and-wine connection seemed promising, but the factory eventually went to Klamath Falls even though the costs would have been lower in Illinois Valley, the mayor said.
Concerning the limited fiscal outlook for the city, Paulson said that he is exploring options. But, he added, all too often the city is “begging from Josephine County” and with the “anti-tax sentiment” demonstrated by citizens he isn’t optimistic.
Accordingly, Paulson said that he will be “a real thorn in the side” of the Three Rivers School District Board if it tries to implement an “impact tax” on new construction as authorized by Senate Bill 1036. The district board will need an intergovernmental agreement with the city to collect the tax, and Paulson indicated that he would oppose such an agreement.
He stated that the city could not impose such a tax, and that he does not feel that the school district should be allowed to do so either.
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