Debate challenge put to Toler
From our weekly issue dated July 29, 2009
If Josephine County Commissioner Dave Toler seeks re-election next year, it looks as though he might have to go through Selma resident Mark Seligman.
Seligman informally announced his candidacy when the county board met in Cave Junction at the county building Monday night, July 27. Approximately 15 people attended.
In his prepared statement, Seligman praised commissioners Dwight Ellis and Sandi Cassanelli for their efforts. Seligman said that he supported Toler, an Illinois Valley resident, when the commissioner first ran for office in 2006.
“I thought he’d be a new face with new ideas,” Seligman said.
He then slammed Toler for his support of new taxes and for refusing to appear on the KAJO Radio talk show for most of last year. He also accused the commissioner of walking out of meetings.
“Is this the commissioner we voted for in 2006?” Seligman said.
Before concluding his remarks, Seligman challenged Toler to a debate. Toler did not immediately respond to the challenge, but Ellis characterized it as a “campaign speech.”
Kerby resident John Bowler stated that Toler has been doing what he expected the commissioner to do in office. Cave Junction resident Roger Brandt advised Toler not to debate Seligman.
Brandt characterized Seligman’s remarks as “wrong” and “poorly informed.”
Seligman stated that Toler’s position on taxes is counter to the will of county citizens, who consistently vote down such measures.
After the meeting, Toler said that if Seligman files for Position 1 on the board of commissioners, the challenger will be able to participate in a variety of debates and candidate forums.
“That opportunity will come,” Toler said.
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