Elect Colene Martin

Elect Colene Martin Josephine County deserves steady, thoughtful leadership focused on practical solutions.

I am running to serve as a voice of reason and to bring experience, integrity, and leadership you can trust and count on.

What’s on my mind today, Monday June 1, 2026I spent the weekend at Rotary Leadership Institute.  I have been in Rotary s...
06/01/2026

What’s on my mind today, Monday June 1, 2026

I spent the weekend at Rotary Leadership Institute. I have been in Rotary since 2012, this leadership class made sense of a complicated organization that does amazing things in our communities and the world . 🌎
No matter how many leadership trainings I attend, I always walk away with good reminders and new ideas to bring back to my work. Leadership is never really about arriving — it’s about continuing to learn, listen, and grow.

Josephine County was was well represented. We had members attending from all 4 Rotary clubs- The Illinois Valley Rotary Club, Greater Grants Pass Rotary, Rogue Gateway, and three of us from the Grants Pass Rotary Club.
It’s encouraging to see so many local leaders investing their time to strengthen their clubs, communities, and service to others.
I’m certain that’s the largest framed certificate I have. 😊

What’s on my mind.  Saturday May 30, 2026Just 2 days left in May. Across Josephine County, our local high school seniors...
05/30/2026

What’s on my mind. Saturday May 30, 2026

Just 2 days left in May.
Across Josephine County, our local high school seniors are graduating, and soon our college students will follow as they step into their next chapters of life. It’s such an exciting season. Congratulations to our niece and nephew both graduated Hidden Valley High School.

Summer is arriving with all the things that make this time of year special… weddings, family gatherings, vacations, BBQs, river days, and making memories with the people we love most. Ron and I have a wedding to attend in July, and beyond that we’re keeping things pretty low key this summer — which honestly sounds pretty nice.

Life moves fast, and these seasons remind us to slow down a little and enjoy the moments in front of us.

What are your summer plans?

What’s on my mind today… Monday, May 25, 2026.It’s Memorial Day in Josephine County. As we enjoy family, friends, BBQs, ...
05/25/2026

What’s on my mind today… Monday, May 25, 2026.

It’s Memorial Day in Josephine County. As we enjoy family, friends, BBQs, parades, and all the Boatnik festivities, may we remember the true reason we celebrate this day.

Today we honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country and the freedoms we enjoy every day. Their sacrifice is the reason we are able to gather together in peace, celebrate our community, and enjoy the simple blessings of life.

Here in Grants Pass, the Cavemen spirit has always represented pride in community, patriotism, and remembrance. Let us take a moment today to reflect with gratitude on those who never made it home.

May we celebrate with joy, but never forget the cost of freedom. 🇺🇸

05/20/2026

What’s on my mind today…May 20,2026

The election may be over, but the process is not officially finalized yet. Election results still have to be certified, and that can take up to 30 days. Regardless of the final numbers, I want to take a moment to thank my family, friends, supporters, and everyone who encouraged me along the way.

Campaigns require long hours, sacrifice, patience, and a strong support system. I could not have done this without the people who stood beside me, my husband and our children, friends that volunteered, shared information, attended events, and simply believed in me.

Current results for County Commissioner, Position 1 are:

Colene Martin — 11,180 votes — 46.46%
John West — 7,060 votes — 29.34%
Tracy Thompson — 2,235 votes — 9.29%
Corey Wilson — 1,819 votes — 7.56%
Alicia Louise Dove — 1,009 votes — 4.19%
Konnor Kirkpatrick — 687 votes — 2.86%
Write-in — 73 votes — 0.30%

Public service is not always easy, but it is an honor.
I remain committed to working hard for Josephine County with professionalism, stability, and thoughtful leadership.

Most of all, thank you to the voters who took the time to participate in the election process. Your voice matters, and that is what keeps our community and our country strong

05/20/2026

Tonight we move forward, and I am grateful beyond words.

Earning a place on the November ballot, by such a large margin, is a reflection of what this community has built together. The doors knocked, the conversations had, the encouragement from neighbors and friends and family who believed in what this campaign stands for… all of it made tonight possible.

What has driven me through every mile of this race is the progress I have watched Josephine County make. This community has worked too hard to turn back now. That progress deserves leadership that will protect it, build on it, and show up for it every single day.

The road ahead still has work to do. But I am ready, and I am honored to keep carrying this forward.

Ron, my family, our volunteers, and every person who cast a ballot for steadiness and stability: thank you.

November is the finish line, and between now and then I will keep working just as hard as day one. We have come too far and this community deserves better than me slowing down now.

The time is now. Call or text your family and friends and remind them to get their ballots turned in.We’ve come too far ...
05/19/2026

The time is now. Call or text your family and friends and remind them to get their ballots turned in.

We’ve come too far to give up now. Every vote matters, and every voice deserves to be heard. Josephine County has been through difficult seasons, and the decisions we make today will shape the future of our community for years to come.
Don’t assume someone else will do it. Encourage the people around you to participate.
Here’s a list of where you can drop your ballots.

Josephine County Courthouse
500 NW 6th Street, Grants Pass
North and South entrances
Inside the building just outside the Clerks office.
Closed at 8 p.m. on Election Day

Ray's Food Place
3500 Merlin Road., Grants Pass
Closed at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Hidden Valley Market
7200 Williams Highway, Murphy
Closed at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Washington Federal Bank
290 Union Avenue, Grants Pass
Front parking lot
Closed at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Josephine Community Library — Grants Pass branch
200 NW C Street, Grants Pass
Rear parking lot (drive-up)
Enter from "C" street.
Closed at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Cave Junction City Building
222 West Lister Street, Cave Junction
Closed at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

05/18/2026

What’s on my mind today, Monday May 18,2026.

I really pondered this question that Pastor Matt asked at church yesterday. It seemed especially relevant in the political season we’re in.

He asked:“How’s your name?”

He described it this way: a good name is built over a lifetime through character, integrity, and the way we treat people. It’s not about status or recognition — it’s about being known as someone who is honest, dependable, hardworking, and kind.
I hope my name comes across that way. Not perfect, because none is us are. But honest in my intentions, willing to work hard, willing to listen, and willing to stand steady.

Colene

A review of our week.
05/16/2026

A review of our week.

What’s on my mind today… Saturday, May 16, 2026I have now been working as a Josephine County Commissioner for 12 weeks. ...
05/16/2026

What’s on my mind today… Saturday, May 16, 2026

I have now been working as a Josephine County Commissioner for 12 weeks. In that short time, one thing has become very clear to me the past few years of administration left behind deep challenges for our county. Mistakes were made, problems were pushed down the road instead of addressed, and leadership styles rooted in division and control simply did not serve Josephine County well.

Policies and procedures exist for a reason. Good government requires transparency, accountability, teamwork, and respect for process. When those things break down, organizations suffer, staff morale suffers, and public trust suffers.

Today, we are working hard to steady the ship and rebuild confidence in county government. That work is not always easy, but it really matters. I am honored to serve alongside commissioners who genuinely want to govern with professionalism, stability, and thoughtful leadership instead of conflict and agendas.

Josephine County deserves leadership that works for the people, not leadership that creates enemies out of the public or staff. We cannot allow our county to go through this kind of instability again.

The road forward is taking time, patience, and cooperation, but I believe we are moving in the right direction. I remain committed to helping build a county government that our employees, our communities, and our citizens can once again trust and be proud of.

And as a reminder, ballots are due this Tuesday, May 19th. I would be honored to have your vote.

05/15/2026

What’s on my mind this Friday, May 15th, 2026…

Only 4 days until the Primary Election is over. whew......

I know campaign season can feel overwhelming, the mailers, advertising, text messages, phone calls, signs, and all the “in your face” election stuff. I can’t help but wonder if everyone is feeling a little voter and campaign fatigue right now.

But now is not the time to give up. In fact, it’s the most important time to stay engaged.

Voter turnout in Josephine County is currently very low. I want to encourage you to check in with your friends, neighbors, and family members to make sure they’ve turned in their ballots. Every vote matters, and local elections truly impact the future of our county.

We’ve all been through a lot these past few years and we have fought hard to move forward.
Your voice matters in helping shape where we go next.

Let’s finish strong.

Address

326 View Top
Grants Pass, OR
97528

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