The political landscape of Josephine County is currently shaken by a growing effort to recall County Commissioner John West. Accusations of cronyism, conflicts of interest, and costly decisions have sparked a movement determined to remove him from office, spearheaded by a diverse coalition of citizens. While many are just beginning to learn the details, this recall effort has been in the making for over 18 months, gaining momentum from people of all political backgrounds.
On August 2, 2024, the Committee to Recall John West, led by petitioner Lily Morgan, officially filed the petition. Their frustration stems from Commissioner West’s disregard for the will of the voters and what they describe as his “pattern of unethical and illegal behavior.” With a long list of grievances, many believe that Commissioner West has caused irreparable harm to both the financial stability of the county and the trust of its citizens.
In their petition, the recall committee outlined several key issues that they believe exemplify Commissioner West’s failures in office. From bad faith negotiations in county property sales to a reduction in vital community services, the accusations are serious and wide-ranging. The estimated financial losses alone total over $6.4 million, a sum that the county, already facing economic hardship, cannot afford.
One of the major sticking points centers around the sale of the Pipe Fork property. This deal, which had been years in the making, was suddenly derailed when Commissioner West voted against the agreement at the last minute. This decision resulted in a $2.3 million loss in revenue for the county, not to mention the potential long-term income from future timber harvesting. Many saw this as a politically motivated maneuver, as the land was meant to be sold to a local community group that had spent years fundraising for the purchase.
Furthermore, West’s decision came under scrutiny due to his ownership of an adjacent property. Although West claims to have sold the property years ago, public records show that his involvement in the company that owned it remains murky.
Another controversial decision involved cutting funding for the OSU Extension Service and 4-H programs, leading to an $852,000 revenue loss. These cuts went against the will of the voters, who had supported these programs, especially as they provide essential services for the local agricultural community. West’s unilateral decision has left many feeling betrayed, further eroding trust in the county’s leadership.
Beyond the financial losses, West’s tenure has left deep divisions within the community. His actions have been characterized as placing political ideology above the best interests of the people. For instance, his budget cuts to public health and law enforcement services have not only endangered public safety but also reduced vital emergency services like the Firewise program.
One of the most egregious examples came in the form of unlawful withdrawals from the Library District, which has led to costly litigation. His repeated disregard for the law, including violations of public meeting laws and campaign finance regulations, has further damaged his reputation. As a result, West is now facing multiple pending ethics violations.
In a rebuttal issued on August 7, Commissioner West dismissed the claims as politically motivated, but his response has been widely criticized for its factual inaccuracies. Notably, he failed to engage with the recall committee directly or address the serious concerns raised in the petition. This perceived indifference has only fueled the growing movement against him.
What began as a Republican-driven effort has now evolved into a diverse, bipartisan movement that has united people from all walks of life. Volunteers and community leaders from across the political spectrum have joined forces to demand accountability and transparency from their local government. With the County Clerk approving the recall petition, the effort now hinges on gathering 6,445 valid signatures from registered voters by October 31, 2024.
If successful, the recall vote will take place in January, and Commissioner West could be removed from office. The county’s remaining commissioners would appoint a temporary replacement until a special election is held. Many see this as the only way to restore trust in Josephine County’s leadership and reverse the damage that has been done.
As the recall committee ramps up its efforts, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: John West’s leadership has left the county in a precarious position. His administration has been marked by a pattern of deception, backroom deals, and ethical violations. From hiring unqualified political allies to ignoring public outcry over essential service cuts, West’s tenure has been a case study in failed leadership.
Law enforcement’s apparent unwillingness to investigate the numerous criminal violations further complicates matters. Many citizens feel that accountability is being sacrificed for political convenience, with those in power shielding West from the consequences of his actions. In this climate, cancel culture has been weaponized to silence the good people of the community, allowing the nefarious to flourish unchecked.
The battle to recall John West is a reminder that local politics can often have the most direct impact on citizens’ lives. For the residents of Josephine County, the stakes are high. Two more years of Commissioner West’s leadership would mean further financial losses, increased safety risks, and continued erosion of public trust.
For Lily Morgan and the Committee to Recall John West, the goal is clear: they want to restore integrity and accountability to Josephine County. But whether the community can come together to unseat a commissioner who has already caused so much damage remains to be seen.
