GRANTS PASS, OR. — Rumblings of a political shakeup are gaining traction across Josephine County as residents and grassroots organizers begin forming recall efforts targeting two county commissioners: Chris Barnett and Andreas Blech. While no official petitions have been filed yet, sources close to the effort confirm that preliminary paperwork, campaign structures, and community outreach are already underway.
This marks a significant development in the local political landscape, echoing the successful 2024 recall of former Commissioner John West. At the time, West’s ouster served as a referendum on what critics called a pattern of unresponsiveness to public concerns and alignment with special interest agendas. Now, those same criticisms are being leveled against Barnett and Blech, who many say have merely continued the same policies and alliances.
Commissioner Ron Smith, who was elected with broader bipartisan support, appears to be avoiding the recall effort for now. According to several involved with the organizing groups, the effort—nicknamed the “BNB Recall” for Barnett and Blech—is intentionally targeted and strategic, focusing solely on the individuals perceived as carrying forward the legacy of their recalled predecessor.
Commissioner Chris Barnett has drawn consistent scrutiny since taking office earlier this year. His critics argue that he has largely mirrored the approach of John West, the very commissioner who helped finance Barnett’s campaign. Detractors point to Barnett’s voting record, public statements, and continued alignment with individuals and groups previously associated with West’s tenure as evidence of political continuity, not reform. This has fueled frustration among voters who had hoped the recall of West would mark a clean break from the past.
Meanwhile, Andreas Blech, the appointed commissioner who filled the seat vacated by West’s removal, is also facing mounting criticism. Though appointed rather than elected, Blech quickly became a polarizing figure within the community. Residents have raised concerns about what they see as a narrow focus on personal priorities—particularly his interest in airport development—rather than addressing the broader needs of the county. Several sources allege that Blech has privately acknowledged the recall effort and expressed indifference, claiming he had already “accomplished what he came to do.”
Such statements, if confirmed, may only further galvanize support for his removal. Activists involved in the recall initiative argue that elected officials and appointees alike must remain accountable to the public they serve, regardless of their personal goals or perceived short-term achievements.
The energy behind the recall movement suggests that organizers are confident in their ability to replicate the success seen with the John West campaign. Community organizers cite a growing sense of political exhaustion among constituents who feel unheard, overlooked, or actively disregarded by current leadership. As one resident put it during a recent community meeting: “If they won’t listen, we’ll vote them out.”
While formal recall petitions are still in the preparation phase, the clock may already be ticking for Commissioners Barnett and Blech. With political momentum building and frustration rising across the county, the coming months could set the stage for another high-stakes political reckoning in Josephine County.