MADRAS, OR -- Seven candidates are running for one open Jefferson County Commissioner seat, to replace the retiring Wayne Fording. They each addressed hot-button issues at a forum this week, hosted by the Madras Chamber of Commerce. You'll find videos of the event HERE. 

Contractor Ara Erdekian says he supports funding the animal shelter, which lost its county contract earlier this year, "They’re running a $50,000 a month sanctuary for $20,000 out of Jefferson County taxes. They have 13 part time employees, who all live in Jefferson County. These people are doing a thankless job." Small business owner Cindy Brockett says pet owners should take responsibility for their animals, "Yes, we do need to have better management. But we also need to ask for better spay and neuter instruction and demand that they follow those rules."

When asked about addressing the homeless crisis, special education teacher Seth Taylor says existing drug laws should be enforced, "This is a created problem by the failed policies of Salem. When we allow drugs to be used in our state legally, we attracted homeless or people who want to abuse drugs from around the nation."

CPA Brandie McNamee was asked about the Greater Idaho Movement and shifting Oregon’s border, and said, "I would support the concept, but it’s going to be incredibly difficult to move the border. Talk about state [legislature], your taxes, I mean there’s so much more to it than just drawing a new line."

Candidates also discussed economic development throughout the county. Truck driver George “Wes” Curtiss suggested the rural economy would benefit if the area stopped growing, "Do we really want to make Madras a Bend? Do we want to make Madras a Redmond? I kind of like it here. I kind of like my property taxes. The property values are cheaper here because there’s less population. If we get another four, five or 10,000, then it’s just going to cost more." While retiree Shawn Stanfill believes the key to rural economic development lies with Congress, "We need people to lobby, go back to Washington to lobby and speak on behalf of our farmers, who are the endangered species."

When asked about managing growth, former School Superintendent and business owner Rick Molitor says he supports affordable housing projects, "Those houses, those people, those new jobs will bring additional resources and taxes for us."

This is a non-partisan race, so if no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote on May 21st, then the top two advance to the November election.