JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES FORUM #2

Last night’s Jefferson County Commissioner Candidates Forum was hosted by the Madras-Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, held at the Ranch Chapel, moderated by Whitney Bell and essentially was a replay of Monday night’s Forum in Madras. It was not well attended.

As earlier reported, the voters mere spectators and were cautioned to remain silent while the candidates answered the Chamber’s prepared questions. Interestingly, given this Forum was held on CRR, one of the largest HOA’s in Oregon, only a couple of questions were asked relevant to CRR.

Incumbents Kelly Simmelink and Mark Wunsch faced off for a second time against CRR residents/candidates George Wes Curtis and Ara Erdekian.

At Monday’s night’s Forum in Madras, Erdekian’s presentation/comments dominated the process. He demonstrated unapologetically, what he believes is the mismanagement and misdeeds of the County’s governing system as a whole. However, at last night’s Forum on the Ranch, Erdekian presentation lacked the same enthusiasm-power.   Candidate Curtis rose to the occasion and performed exceptionally well. He was passionate, direct and some even commented, captured Erdekian’s lost enthusiasm-power.

After the Forum, Curtis held a Meet and Greet at Ranch Matters new location across the