The grassroots recall campaign against County Commissioner John West has reached their goal announcing that it has collected over 7,200 signatures, surpassing the required minimum to initiate a recall election. Commissioner West now faces a five-day period to decide whether to resign or contest a recall vote that could determine his position in office.
The recall effort, led by petitioner Lily Morgan and the Committee to Recall John West, cites numerous grievances against West’s leadership, including allegations of financial mismanagement and policy decisions perceived as counter to the public interest. Concerns stem from what the committee describes as West’s “pattern of unethical and illegal behavior,” claiming that his actions have eroded public trust and harmed the financial stability of Josephine County. The petition includes claims that West’s decisions have resulted in significant financial losses and impacted essential county services.
One of the main points of contention is the handling of the county’s Pipe Fork property, a sale that was expected to generate substantial revenue. According to the petition, West’s last-minute decision to oppose the sale led to a $2.3 million revenue loss for the county. The property had been earmarked for purchase by a local community group that had raised funds for years to acquire it, and supporters believe the sale would have benefited the community both financially and environmentally through sustainable timber practices.
Further controversy surrounds West’s decision to cut funding to the Oregon State University Extension Service and local 4-H programs, which serve the county’s agricultural community. By redirecting these funds, West effectively overturned the voters’ support for these services, resulting in an $852,000 reduction to the budget. Many county residents feel this action disregarded their expressed priorities and has left the agricultural sector without crucial educational resources.
In addition to these issues, the recall petition also highlights cuts to public health, law enforcement, and emergency services, all of which have, according to the committee, compromised the county’s ability to protect and serve its residents. Cuts to the Firewise program, which provides fire prevention resources, are seen as particularly detrimental given the heightened wildfire risks in Oregon.
Beyond policy disagreements, the petition accuses West of violating public meeting laws, campaign finance regulations, and mishandling of Title III funds, and funds related to the Library District. Some of these alleged actions have resulted in pending ethics complaints and litigation, adding further scrutiny to West’s tenure. Petitioners argue that these legal issues point to a broader pattern of governance problems that has left the community divided.
Jay Meredith, a community advocate involved with the recall committee, reported that the petition, with 7,220 signatures, was delivered to the County Clerk’s office. The required threshold was 6,445 verified signatures, meaning that even if some signatures are deemed invalid, the committee is confident they have gathered enough to move forward.
The County Clerk will have 30 days to review and verify the signatures. If sufficient valid signatures are confirmed, Commissioner West will be notified and given the choice to resign within five days. Should he choose not to step down, a recall election will be scheduled, possibly as early as December or January. If West loses this vote, the two remaining county commissioners will be tasked with appointing his replacement.
In a statement, the recall committee expressed gratitude to the volunteers and donors who contributed to the effort. Organizers have described the recall campaign as a community-driven initiative aimed at restoring accountability and transparency in county governance by the people for the people.
As the recall process advances, the situation has garnered attention across Josephine County, with residents preparing for a potential special election. West’s few supporters argue that his policies reflect fiscal responsibility, while other residents contend his actions reflect disregard for public input and responsible governance.
The County Clerk’s review is expected to conclude by early November, at which point the next steps in this high-stakes local political process will become clear.
