A Lunch and Learn of Realities: Written by Candice Kaiser
Today, I had the opportunity to host a monthly Republican Lunch and Learn in Grants Pass. This event brought together 45 community members and eight commissioner, treasurer, city council, and mayor candidates eager to discuss pressing local issues. We gathered with anticipation to delve into matters that could shape the future of our beloved town.
As the discussion unfolded, one topic was Measure 110, which had opened the floodgates to a new reality in our state—one that many of us were grappling with daily. It was during this conversation that the unexpected happened.
A man stumbled into the room, his appearance a stark contrast to the well-dressed candidates and attendees. His pants hung perilously low, revealing a disheveled state that made it clear he was struggling. He wore mismatched shoes, a symbol of his disarray, and his presence was jarring against the backdrop of our serious discussions.
The lady at the sign-in table was caught off guard by his arrival. “Do you have an RSVP?” she asked, her voice tinged with confusion. He smirked and lied, claiming he did. As we continued our conversation about the implications of our county’s growing homelessness crisis, he became an unwitting live demonstration of the issues we were dissecting.
While the room buzzed with anxious energy, one candidate stepped forward. With a calm demeanor, he approached the man, engaging him in conversation. Although there was some initial commotion, that candidate’s ability to connect led to a resolution—at least temporarily. The man was escorted out of the room, but the peace was short-lived; he returned later, prompting us to involve the restaurant manager.
This incident, while disruptive, became a poignant focal point for our meeting. It was a vivid reminder of the challenges we face as a community. Many women in the group have expressed their fears about shopping alone, while grandparents recounted how they could no longer enjoy a picnic in the park with their grandchildren without concern. The atmosphere shifted from one of political discourse to a raw discussion about real human lives affected by our policies.
The conversation turned to the delicate balance of enabling individuals versus enforcing rules to guide them toward treatment. Our quaint town, once a place of tranquility, was now grappling with the overwhelming presence of homelessness. One local business owner, a lumber merchant, shared his plight of having a temporary shelter across the street from his entrance, detailing how his business was struggling under the weight of this crisis.
In the wake of this experience, there was a consensus: we needed to take action. We laid out plans for a town meeting that would bring together residents and business owners, creating a platform for a community discussion on how to address these challenges.
As our luncheon concluded, I couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s events. What started as a political gathering transformed into a heartfelt dialogue about humanity, responsibility, and the urgent need for change in our community. Today, we didn’t just talk about the issues; we lived them.
Candice Kaiser