As of 8:05pm tonight, Josephine County voters have decisively spoken, overwhelmingly supporting the recall of Commissioner John West with 63.15% of ballots cast in favor of his removal. Of the 19,951 ballots submitted, 12,583 were in favor of recalling West, marking a significant and resounding message to the embattled commissioner. This landslide result is not just a political blow to West, but a watershed moment in the county’s governance, driven by years of public dissatisfaction with his leadership.
The recall effort, led by Lily Morgan, Jay Meredith, and Tina Gotchall, was born out of mounting frustration over West’s leadership and a series of controversial decisions that have sparked widespread criticism. The petition gathered nearly 7,500 signatures in just 90 days, showcasing the deep-seated discontent within the county. What began as an initiative largely among Republicans quickly gained traction across party lines, uniting voters from all affiliations—Republican, Democrat, and independent—under a common cause for change.
For many of those who voted for the recall, Commissioner West’s actions over the last two years have left them feeling neglected and unheard. Accusations of poor policy choices, financial mismanagement, and a lack of accountability have plagued his time in office. West’s decisions have been blamed for losing millions of dollars in county funds, and his actions have sparked intense backlash over significant cuts to law enforcement and public safety programs. His repeated failures to follow both state and local laws have also contributed to the widespread desire for his removal.
One of the most contentious aspects of West’s tenure has been his handling of the county’s budget. In his first 20 months in office, West’s administration is said to have lost the county over $6 million due to what critics describe as mismanagement and poor decision-making. West’s claims of fiscal responsibility have also been called into question following his approval of a controversial plan to combine the Emergency Management and IT departments. Instead of saving money, this decision resulted in a 35.3% budget increase for these departments in the fiscal year 2025, which critics argue is a clear example of mismanagement, undermining West’s cost-saving promises.
West’s relationship with the media and political opponents has further fueled animosity. Many accuse him of bullying critics, including independent journalists, and threatening them with lawsuits when their reporting does not align with his political agenda. His smear campaigns against local Republicans running for office have deepened the divide within the community, leaving him isolated from both allies and adversaries alike.
Despite mounting pressure, West has continued to assert his innocence, downplaying the significance of the recall effort and offering public statements that many have labeled false or misleading. As the recall petition gained momentum, West responded with a series of interviews and paid advertisements, many of which were seen as attempts to undermine the credibility of the petition and its authors. However, in a critical move, West did not challenge the factual claims made in the recall petition when filing his Statement of Justification with the county. His failure to dispute the claims may have been a strategic decision, as submitting false information on this form could have led to severe legal consequences.
The recall election result signals a profound shift in Josephine County’s political landscape. The overwhelming support for the recall reflects a desire for more responsible, transparent, and accountable leadership. Many are hopeful that the removal of Commissioner West will usher in a new era of governance that better serves the needs of the community, focusing on fiscal responsibility and public safety.
A statement from the Committee to Recall John West reflected this sentiment: “This result shows as expected that many parts of Josephine County felt unrepresented by Commissioner West’s decisions and actions. This recall effort has changed behavior and will make our local elected officials more accountable to all citizens and more respectful of their oath of office. Thank you, Josephine County, for making your voice heard.”
With West’s removal, the county is now at a crossroads, and voters are eager to see a new direction that prioritizes the people’s needs over political agendas. The message from Josephine County voters is clear: accountability matters, and they will no longer tolerate governance that fails to serve their best interests.
