Grants Pass, OR — This past Saturday, a jubilant crowd gathered at Si Casa Flores to celebrate a milestone in the recall campaign against County Commissioner John West. Hosted by petition leader Lily Morgan, the event marked the achievement of the necessary signatures to move forward with a recall election, drawing over 100 volunteers and supporters to mark the occasion.
The recall committee, comprised of non-partisan concerned citizens, organized the petition to remove Commissioner West, citing concerns over his performance, alleged lack of transparency, and what they believe to be a failure in representing the interests of his constituents. For months, they have campaigned across the county, holding town halls, organizing informational events, and canvassing door-to-door to gather the required signatures.
“It’s a victory for the community,” said Morgan, addressing the crowd of supporters at Si Casa Flores. “This isn’t about politics; it’s about accountability. Our county deserves leadership that listens and takes action on behalf of the people. Commissioner West has failed to fulfill those responsibilities, and we’re here to demand better.”
With the signature goal reached, the recall process now moves to the next phase, which includes the setting of a recall election date. The committee remains committed to its mission, pledging to keep up public pressure on Commissioner West, who has stated he will not resign despite the recall effort. According to Morgan, the committee plans to maintain an active presence at upcoming Board of Commissioner meetings, where they will continue to voice concerns and demand accountability.
The committee also plans to keep the community informed by providing updates to local newspapers. “This recall isn’t just a one-time action. We’re in this for the long haul, and we’ll keep the public informed every step of the way,” Morgan added. She emphasized that the committee would be releasing evidence and additional information regarding their concerns with Commissioner West’s performance, aiming to ensure that voters are well-informed ahead of the recall election.
Since the beginning of the recall campaign, the committee has pointed to specific grievances regarding Commissioner West’s decisions and leadership approach, which they claim have had adverse effects on the county. The group argues that West has not been transparent with his constituents and has made decisions that they believe are out of touch with the community’s needs and values.
In response, Commissioner West has maintained that he has acted in the best interests of the county and has been unwavering in his position, stating that he will not step down despite the recall efforts. West has not provided further comments following the committee’s announcement of reaching the signature goal, though he has previously argued that his leadership decisions have been both necessary and beneficial for the county.
As the recall effort progresses, the committee’s commitment has only strengthened, with plans to increase public awareness and participation. “We started this because we care about our community, and we want to see change,” said one volunteer at Saturday’s gathering. “Now that we’re on the ballot, it’s up to the voters to make their voices heard.”
With a recall election on the horizon, the committee is poised to continue rallying community support and advocating for the changes they believe are essential for the county’s future. The coming months promise to be pivotal for the county, as voters will soon have the chance to determine Commissioner West’s fate in office.
