The race for County Commissioner in Josephine County is intensifying, with current Commissioner John West and candidate Chris Barnett facing serious allegations about their connections, censorship tactics, and questionable practices. Both have come under scrutiny from residents who claim their shared history in real estate and overlapping political interests raise concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
Recently, West and Barnett suggested that efforts to recall West amounted to election interference, but the claim has been met with skepticism. The recall committee comprises members from various political backgrounds, including Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, making it difficult to pin the recall on any one faction. Committee members argue that these allegations serve as a distraction from valid concerns about the candidates’ transparency and accountability.
The connection between West and Barnett extends over 15 years, primarily rooted in real estate dealings. This long-standing relationship has fueled speculation that, if elected, Barnett would be an extension of West’s influence rather than an independent voice. West’s enthusiastic support of Barnett has raised red flags, particularly given their shared legal representation and history.
Barnett has faced accusations of suppressing free speech by blocking and deleting critical comments on social media. Many locals claim that when they post questions or criticisms — their comments are removed, and they are blocked from further engagement. This behavior, they argue, contradicts Barnett’s claims of supporting free speech and transparency.
Barnett’s lack of knowledge about local government became evident during a social media exchange in which he insulted former County Commissioner Keith Heck, apparently unaware of Heck’s significant contributions to the community, including his work with the Gospel Rescue Mission. This incident has led some to question Barnett’s readiness for the role of County Commissioner.
Residents have noted that Barnett’s campaign expenditures could surpass the annual salary of a County Commissioner, leading some to question his true motivations. If the campaign is genuinely about serving the community, they argue, the excessive spending on advertisements and legal efforts to silence those that oppose him appears inconsistent. Additionally, the use of the same attorney as West for a potential lawsuit against the Grants Pass Tribune has only deepened skepticism about their shared interests.
Barnett has also faced allegations of “Stolen Valor,” a term used to describe exaggerations or false claims about military service. Locals claim he previously implied that the nickname “Commander” came from his military service, while he now states it was merely a radio “moniker” or persona. This shifting narrative has raised doubts about his honesty, with some seeing it as an attempt to embellish his background for political gain.
Barnett’s past real estate activities, including a disputed “short sale flopping” involving a property at 272 Oak Dale Drive, located in Grants Pass, have come under scrutiny. The case, involving allegations of fraud and unethical practices, could resurface in ongoing legal disputes with the Grants Pass Tribune. Coupled with the fact that Barnett and West share an attorney who has a $1.5 million judgment, these issues have intensified concerns about their motives.
West has also been criticized for his involvement in reversing the sale of the Pipe Fork property to a conservancy group. Initially set for preservation, the land was instead added to a multi-property auction, potentially opening it up to timber extraction or mineral exploitation. Critics argue that this decision favors private interests over the community, as the auction price per acre was reportedly lower than what the conservancy group had initially offered.
Rather than addressing allegations of corruption and questionable property decisions, West and Barnett have frequently appeared on sympathetic media like the Oregon Eagle while avoiding interviews with less favorable outlets. Barnett has also been accused of contacting the Grants Pass Tribune’s advertisers to withdraw their support and spreading false information about the newspaper’s reporting.
Barnett and West’s frequent legal threats against the Tribune, including possible libel lawsuits, have been viewed as efforts to intimidate the press and silence criticism. Barnett’s ongoing criticism of the Tribune and attempts to discredit unfavorable coverage have further heightened concerns about the candidates’ transparency.
As election day approaches, these allegations have left Josephine County voters divided. Many fear that electing Barnett could continue what some perceive as a “deep state” approach to local governance, where decisions favor select interest groups at the expense of the broader community. The candidates’ responses to these allegations, and their willingness to engage with concerned residents, will play a crucial role in shaping the election’s outcome.