Another brewing controversy has emerged in Josephine County as Commissioner John West faces criticism over allegations of mishandling or ignoring a serious case of illegal activity involving the county’s recall petition process. The accusations raise questions about whether Commissioner West disregards legal obligations until convenient or lacks the competence required for his role.
The allegations stem from Commissioner West’s remarks on a public radio show on Monday, December 2nd, where he reportedly disclosed that an individual had fraudulently signed the recall petition 12 times using fake addresses. Despite the severity of this claim, it appears that no action has been taken to report this alleged illegal activity to proper authorities or to inform the public in a transparent manner.
A formal complaint has been submitted to County Clerk Rhiannon Henkel, requesting that Commissioner West’s actions be promptly addressed and held accountable. The complainant has also reported the matter to the Oregon Secretary of State, expressing concerns about West’s apparent failure to resolve the issue through appropriate channels.
“Commissioner West, if you have reported this activity, please let me know so I can be aware as the Secretary of State follows up on this investigation,” the complaint reads. It further urges West and Clerk Henkels to escalate the matter to proper investigative authorities without delay, emphasizing the need for transparency and public awareness.
The controversy also casts a shadow over the validity of the recall petition process. The Recall Committee, which spearheaded the signature-gathering effort, maintains that they have secured thousands of valid signatures from registered voters—well above the threshold required to bring the recall to a vote. However, the revelation of potential fraudulent signatures has sparked concerns that someone may have deliberately undermined their constitutional and legal campaign.
The complaint accuses Commissioner West of withholding vital information about the individual allegedly responsible for the fraudulent activity. “Please disclose the name of this individual immediately to both the public and the proper investigation authorities,” the complaint demands, adding that any delays could impede efforts to hold the perpetrator accountable.
The larger question remains: Is Commissioner West deliberately ignoring legal responsibilities until they serve his interests, or is he genuinely unaware of the proper procedures to handle such situations? Either scenario raises doubts about his qualifications and judgment as a county commissioner.
As the Secretary of State’s office investigates the situation, the public awaits answers. For now, Commissioner West’s silence and lack of decisive action leave a cloud of uncertainty over the integrity of his leadership.