As newly elected commissioners Chris Barnett and Ron Smith prepare to assume their roles on January 6, Josephine County remains in a state of political uncertainty following the recall of former commissioner John West. With West’s seat now vacant, the process of selecting his replacement has already drawn criticism and sparked concerns about transparency and fairness.
John West, removed from office in a decisive recall vote, seems to maintain some influence over the transition process. County Clerk Rhiannon Henkels has confirmed that West requested a swearing-in ceremony for January 14, raising suspicions that Barnett and Smith, alongside West, may have already decided on his successor. While the county has announced that applications for the vacant seat will be accepted from January 6 to January 10, many see this as a mere formality rather than a genuine opportunity for community input.
The community’s frustration over the process is palpable. Josephine County residents, who voted overwhelmingly to recall West due to dissatisfaction with his leadership, now expect Barnett and Smith to lead with integrity and independence. Concerns that the two commissioners might follow in West’s footsteps or appoint a close ally have further eroded trust in local government.
What would make sense, and potentially restore some faith, is for the new commissioners to put aside any political maneuvering and approach the replacement process with maturity and transparency. Barnett and Smith should seriously consider interviewing individuals who previously ran for commissioner seats and demonstrated a commitment to serving the community. Candidates such as Pat Fahey, Colene Martin, Mark Jones, and Brian Delagrange—who ran against West in 2022—are names that many in the community believe warrant fair consideration. These individuals have already shown their willingness to lead and their dedication to the people of Josephine County.
The new commissioners have a critical opportunity to rebuild trust and establish themselves as leaders who prioritize fairness and the community’s best interests. However, any move that resembles the cronyism and backdoor dealings of the past will only deepen the county’s political divide.
Barnett and Smith must act with transparency, ensuring that their selection process for West’s replacement is clear and accountable to the public. Failure to do so could have significant consequences, as Oregon law allows for recall efforts against elected officials six months after they take office.
Josephine County residents have made it clear they will not tolerate further political missteps. This moment serves as both a test and an opportunity for the new commissioners to demonstrate that they are ready to lead with integrity, listen to the voices of their constituents, and steer the county toward a more accountable future.
