A petition circulating in the community finally seeks the recall of Commissioner John West, citing concerns over his leadership and decision-making. The petition, backed by a growing number of residents, alleges that West’s actions have negatively impacted the health and safety of the community, led to financial mismanagement, and violated state laws.
On Friday, a diverse group of around one hundred Josephine County residents gathered in front of the Courthouse to show support for the recall of Commissioner John West. The crowd, representing various political affiliations, came together in a unified effort to address concerns over West’s actions and to advocate for change within the county before the situation deteriorates further.
Allegations Against Commissioner West
The petition outlines several key areas of concern:
Pipe Fork Property Sale: West is accused of engaging in bad faith negotiations regarding the sale of the Pipe Fork property. Critics argue that this decision not only resulted in lost revenue for the county but also endangered a crucial water source for the Williams community.
Budget Cuts Ignoring Voter Will: The petition claims that West disregarded the will of voters by cutting funding for several community programs, including the Oregon State University Extension Service, law enforcement, and public health initiatives. These cuts have reportedly strained vital services that many residents rely on.
Legal Violations: West is alleged to have violated state laws, including campaign finance regulations and public meeting laws. He is also facing pending ethics and labor law violations, raising concerns about his adherence to legal standards.
Library District Withdrawal: Another significant point of contention is West’s unilateral decision to approve the withdrawal of the county from a Library District. This action has reportedly led to costly litigation, further straining county resources.
Community Safety Concerns: The petitioners argue that West has jeopardized community safety by reducing or eliminating programs critical to emergency preparedness. This includes scaling back the Firewise program, cutting the Emergency Management program, and removing fire safety standards for property development.
Hiring Practices: West is also criticized for allegedly hiring unqualified political allies for key county positions. Petitioners believe these appointments were made based on political loyalty rather than merit, raising questions about the effectiveness of county governance.
The petitioners lead by former county commissioner, Lily Morgan claim that West’s actions reflect a pattern of unethical and illegal behavior that has eroded public trust. The recall effort underscores the community’s growing frustration and calls for a leadership change to restore integrity in local governance.
Supporters of the recall argue that West’s decisions have not aligned with the best interests of the people he was elected to serve. The petition suggests that his leadership has resulted in tangible negative impacts on the community, from financial losses to compromised public safety.
As the recall effort gains momentum, the community awaits further developments. If the petition gathers enough signatures, it could lead to a recall election, giving voters the opportunity to decide whether Commissioner West should remain in office.
West has not yet issued a public statement regarding the petition. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
