Chris Barnett has gained a reputation not for his policy positions, but for his remarkable ability to lie openly and frequently. His dishonesty is so persistent that it seems even Barnett himself may have lost touch with reality. But here’s what should concern the residents of Josephine County the most: if Chris Barnett is willing to lie straight to your face during public, recorded interviews, what makes you think he won’t continue lying if he’s elected?
This isn’t just typical political spin. These are serious deceptions, and they matter. The residents of this county deserve transparency, honesty, and integrity from their leaders—not someone who is prepared to mislead the public for personal gain. As a newspaper dedicated to truth and fact-based reporting, it is our responsibility to expose the reality behind Barnett’s campaign.
Consider Barnett’s recent claim, which has garnered significant attention: he insists that he has “no business relationship” with John West, the current County Commissioner under investigation for ethics violations. West, who is facing a recall due to illegal campaign practices and other alleged misconduct, has long-standing business ties with Barnett—despite Barnett’s repeated denials.
Our investigation, backed by documented evidence, reveals that Barnett has been the exclusive real estate agent for John West’s properties for over 15 years. This includes Russell Road Estates in Merlin, a sizable development of 39 lots that Barnett continues to represent. Yet, in public meetings, Barnett has denied any connection, blatantly deceiving the voters he hopes to serve.
Don’t just take our word for it—see for yourself. A simple Google search reveals the truth. By cross-referencing the addresses of properties listed by Barnett’s real estate company with public property records, it’s easy to confirm that many are owned by John West. The facts are undeniable, even if Barnett pretends otherwise.
Barnett was even caught and photographed by us placing signs for both himself and candidate Ron Smith. When confronted, Barnett first denied the claim, only to later change his story, saying he had just left the gym and “ran into John West.” But this too was false. The gym opens at 7 a.m., and as someone who is there daily, I know it was just opening. Additionally, Barnett’s distinctive Jaguar was nowhere to be seen because he and West were riding together in West’s truck. Though this lie may seem minor, it proves that Barnett is incapable of telling the truth, even about the smallest details. One word comes to mind: narcissist.
The alarming part isn’t just that Barnett is lying—it’s that he seems to believe his own fabrications. If he’s so comfortable distorting the truth during his campaign, why would we expect him to act differently if elected to the County Commission? This kind of self-deception and disregard for honesty should send shockwaves through every voter in Josephine County. It’s a fundamental betrayal of the public’s trust.
We cannot stress enough the importance of integrity in public office. Barnett’s willingness to deceive in public, recorded meetings should be a major red flag. If he’s lying now, what else might he lie about when it comes to the critical issues that affect your family, your taxes, and the future of this county? Barnett even appeared to condone Michael Sellers and his wife for defrauding the state of Oregon for nearly half a million dollars while supposedly continuing to collect county salaries. Is Barnett already compromised, or simply ignorant of cronyism, government abuse, and the misuse of taxpayer dollars? These are legitimate questions.
The people of Josephine County deserve better. They deserve elected officials who will serve the community with transparency and honesty, not individuals who will say anything to win and then continue their dishonesty in office. The facts don’t lie, but it seems Chris Barnett does—frequently and with alarming confidence.
As voters, it is our responsibility to demand truthfulness from those seeking public office. The stakes are too high to allow someone with such blatant disregard for honesty to represent us. In this election, we urge you to consider the facts, not the fictions. Chris Barnett’s lies are well-documented and easily verified. As this story unfolds, remember that his deceptions are not just campaign tactics—they reveal a deeper pattern of dishonesty that could have serious consequences if he’s elected.
This is a crucial moment for Josephine County. Choose your leaders wisely, because fiction belongs in novels—not in public office.
