Vote yes on fire levy

If you live in Fire District 5 and have not yet voted, please get out your ballot and join me in voting yes on this important bond measure: 15-112. The cost of $25.11 per year on a $155,000 home is a small amount to pay for the needed improvements to our fire district's outdated equipment and aged apparatus. Thank you, Fire District 5, for helping us! Now it's our turn to help you! Yes on Measure 15-112! — Judith Baalman, Talent

Vote for Bloom

Without reservation, I'm telling all of my friends who vote in Jackson County that I hope they will vote for Judge Ben Bloom. As a jurist (and I've known a lot of jurists) he's remarkably able, competent and fair. During the past two years, Judge Bloom has comported himself with the dignity appropriate for his office, but he's never imputed the power and importance of his court to himself.

He's been careful, courteous and kind to all litigants and jurors who come to his courtroom. At the same time, he has consistently demanded the full measure of competence and diligence from the attorneys who appear before him. His analysis of the issues the attorneys present to him is exacting and thorough. Please vote for Judge Ben Bloom. — William Francis, attorney, Medford

Obama vs. Nero

President Obama reminds me of Nero, who fiddled while Rome burned. The Middle East is being destroyed but Obama is busy campaigning.

It's my hope and prayer that America won't make the same mistake again that they did with Watergate when they re-elected a president who tried to cover up mistakes. Nixon finally had to resign.

With the new information coming out every day, it's obvious a cover up is in progress now. Obama does not deserve to be re-elected for many reasons, not the least of which is this latest fiasco where lives were lost needlessly. — W.J. Johnson, Phoenix

Don't forget Greg Walden

Remember when House Republicans blocked paying the debt? A reckless stunt that lowered our Treasury bond rating — we will be paying for this "gift" in the form of higher interest, devalued currency and if you have a 401(k) or IRA you were robbed of thousands of dollars right off the top! This idiotic and selfish manufactured crisis must not be forgotten.

Greg Walden is a senior House member who could have been the voice of reason but instead sided with the tea party for political expediency. They also blocked every jobs bill, every offer to balance the budget and made making the president look bad a priority over upholding their oath to office.

The public's interest must be placed above all politics and this behavior cannot be rewarded! We must send a clear message by throwing as many of the "House bums" out as possible, including Rep. Walden. — Keith Shirley, Medford

We voted for Bloom

Today we voted. Everyone, please vote. Voting is the foundation of our democracy. One of our votes was for Circuit Judge Ben Bloom.

Judge Bloom is an outstanding judge. He has patience, integrity, intelligence and a concern for people. He does not approach his job with a sense of arrogance. These qualities are what led us to vote for Judge Bloom.

We encourage you to vote for Judge Ben Bloom. — Michael and Suzanne Brian, Medford