Tracy Thompson
Transparency and Accountability
Restoring Trust In Our Local Government
Why Am I Running?
When I moved here 8 years ago I was appalled by the state of our local government. As an outsider with extensive experience with governments around the world, I was shocked by the apparent grift, cronyism and disregard for the will of the voters. I was particularly angered when the Board of County Commissioners acted in bad faith when deaing with the Pipe Fork issue.
NO MORE SWEEHEART DEALS!!!
About Tracy Thompson
At his core Tracy is a scientist, having studied biochemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry. Over his career he has focused on developing products and services to improve the lives of people living with chronic disease, namely diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Tracy moved to Josephine County after living in New Zealand for 9 years where he ran a biotechnology company developing vaccines. While in New Zealand he also advised the New Zealand Government on science and research investments. He was also Senior Investments Manager for a $120M New Zealand research institute.
Prior to moving to New Zealand Tracy worked in the Bay Area developing medical devices and also doing corporate merger and acquisition work. His experience spans 44 countries, and 40 years of healthcare delivery and support.
Tracy lives with his wife, Newfoundland and Jack Russel in Grants Pass.
What does Tracy stand for?
Growing up in a blended family the one thing taught by our mother was fairness. It doesn't matter who you were or what you believed, it was important to her faith to be fair, kind and equitable. I have ALWAYS maintained that position, often at personal expense. But doing the RIGHT thing is important.
I am running because the monied interests in the County have used their position for personal gain time and time again. There is a cabal here of individuals who have managed to alienate so many voters that recalls are as regular as the seasons. THAT MUST STOP.
To be clear, I have NO business interests here. I have no property other than my house, no extractive interests like mining or logging. Consequently, I have no reason to do backroom sweetheart deals, as I have nothing to gain from them.
I am a student of early American history and take the approach of Jefferson and James Madison of utilitarianism: Doing the most good for the most people. I see this as the responsibility of government.
The role of the Commissioner, in my mind is the proper governance of community resources and assets to be advantage of ALL residents of a county. (I had one Commissioner tell me he "doesn't represent me." I'm sorry, but that is simply not true. Elected officials represent EVERYONE in the County.
Top Priorities
The County continues to face chronic budget shortfalls. We MUST diversify our economic base and stop relying in single industries e.g. logging to support us. There needs to be an audit of how the County is spending its funds and understanding the 'cronyism' that seems to infect every department.
Government Efficiency
We can and must improve efficiency in our government. There are tools that can dramatically improve services without adding cost. In fact, we should be able to implement many of the new tools and actually reduce the size of our government.
Economic Development
Our best and brightest are leaving due to lack of opportunities here. Our community is dependent upon Medicare and Social Security for much of our economic activity. Even our healthcare is subpar. If we are to continue attracting people to the area we need a diverse economic base and a younger population.
Public Safety
There always seems to be an outcry about public safety and the voters keep sending the Commissioners mixed messages. We need to put this issue to bed, once and for all.
What's important to you?
A representative can only be as effective as the community informs them what is important. Having worked around the world, one cannot be effective if their knowledge is limited. I need resident input.
