Recent developments in Josephine County have sparked questions about the influence of former County Commissioner Simon Hare on current Commissioner Chris Barnett. Despite not holding office, Hare has reportedly been playing an influential role behind the scenes, calling into question who is truly in charge of county decisions. Barnett, who has acknowledged Hare as his personal mentor, seems to be heavily guided by Hare’s advice, which raises concerns given the former commissioner’s controversial history.
The situation came back to light through public records requests regarding Hare’s frequent appearances at the county commissioner’s office. These records suggest that Hare has been more involved in county affairs than the public might realize, despite not holding an official position. In one recent discovery, it was revealed that on January 31st, 2024, Hare was paid $3,200 for his services, though there is no approved contract or clear scope of work attached to this payment. The invoice states that Hare attended several meetings, including a “BAT” meeting on January 9th, 2024, followed by “Leadership” meetings on January 16th and 26th. However, questions have arisen about the legitimacy of these meetings and the accuracy of the billing, particularly with reference to the acronym “BAT,” which may have been a mix-up with the Broadband Technical Assistance Program (BTAP). If Hare was indeed attending the wrong meetings, questions about his qualifications for the role he was paid for only deepen.
Adding to the controversy, Barnett has publicly stated that Hare serves as his personal mentor in his role as commissioner. This relationship has raised eyebrows, especially considering Barnett’s early election, which many viewed as the result of a lack of experience for such a crucial leadership position. Barnett’s admission of relying on a former commissioner with a controversial past only intensifies concerns about his independence in office.
Hare’s history is riddled with scandals, including ethical violations, allegations of misconduct, and a DUI incident that involved a strip club in 2018. He also faced accusations of attempting to leverage his position for personal gain, including reporting his car as stolen after allegedly being too intoxicated to remember where he parked. These issues led to his ousting from office in 2018, yet now, with Barnett at the helm, Hare seems to have found a way to continue influencing county politics without facing voters.
Sources also suggest that Hare has been involved in writing grant requests for certain businesses in Josephine County, which raises further questions about who authorized this role and whether it constitutes a conflict of interest. Given his tarnished reputation, some worry that his influence may be benefiting select individuals rather than serving the broader needs of the county.
Furthermore, Hare’s close ties to former Commissioner John West only add fuel to the fire. The connections between Hare, Barnett, and West have led some observers to question whether the county’s leadership is being manipulated by figures who were rejected by voters in the past. Given Hare’s past unethical behavior, his continued involvement in county affairs raises serious concerns about the integrity of local governance.
With Barnett’s alignment with Hare, the key question is whether he is an independent leader or simply a puppet for figures who lost the public’s trust long ago. The people of Josephine County deserve leadership that is both competent and accountable, not one influenced by individuals with questionable pasts.
This situation underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability within Josephine County’s government. If a former commissioner with such a controversial history continues to exert influence over policy decisions, it calls into question the integrity of the county’s leadership. Residents deserve leadership that prioritizes their best interests, not the agendas of individuals who were previously rejected by voters. With growing concerns about the influence of past officials, it’s time for the community to demand a government that is both transparent and accountable. As this investigation progresses and more records are uncovered, the truth behind these actions will continue to emerge, and the people of Josephine County deserve to know the full extent of what is happening behind the scenes.