Brimstone Natural Resources, co-owned by John West and Robert Stumbo, has frequently been in the media spotlight. However, the story behind how Commissioner John West came to own the Brimstone property raises questions about potential legal and ethical concerns. With Simon Hare, a close associate and then-county commissioner, playing a key role, there are suspicions that special favors were involved. Now, with West in office, those favors appear to be coming full circle. Let’s delve into the history of this property to better understand the connections and implications.
On June 2, 2017, residents of Brimstone Gulch, along with experts and concerned citizens, gathered before the Josephine County Commissioners to address a contentious land-use appeal. The appeal centered on excavation and mining activities along a protected stream in a residential neighborhood. Despite the gravity of the situation and the community’s meticulous preparation, the meeting ended abruptly within minutes. The commissioners dismissed the appeal, seemingly ignoring established land-use regulations and raising concerns about potential favoritism and conflicts of interest.
This meeting followed an earlier hearing on May 15, where the community had already voiced their concerns. The Josephine County Planning Department had approved an application by Brimstone Natural Resources for a “Riparian Corridor Site Plan Review,” subject to 21 conditions. These conditions were crucial to protecting Brimstone Gulch, a Class 1 fish-bearing stream. The plan proposed by Brimstone Natural Resources involved extensive tree removal and excavation along a 1,000-foot stretch of the creek, with the intent to process gold-bearing ore off-site before returning the waste to the mining location.
The appeal hearing on June 2 was called because Brimstone Natural Resources sought to have nine of the 21 conditions lifted by the county commissioners. These conditions were not arbitrary; they were based on expert input from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), both of which confirmed the county’s regulatory authority over placer mining in the riparian area.
However, during the initial hearing on May 15, the Josephine County Planning Director clarified that the application was not explicitly for placer mining but rather for a “Riparian Corridor Site Plan Review Application.” He cited both Josephine County Ordinance and Oregon Administrative Rules to support the county’s authority over the riparian corridor, a stance that had been upheld in past rulings by the Land Use Board of Appeals.
Despite this clear guidance, the commissioners—led by Simon Hare—dismissed the appeal on June 2 without any formal motion, roll call, or vote, effectively silencing the voices of the concerned residents and their experts. In a written statement, the commissioners argued that concerns related to the riparian corridor were the state’s responsibility rather than the county’s, indicating a reluctance to enforce local land-use laws.
This decision has not only led to accusations that the commissioners are prioritizing personal and political agendas over the public interest and their legal obligations, but it has also brought to light a long-standing relationship between Simon Hare and John West, the property owner behind Brimstone Natural Resources. According to sources, Simon Hare had been doing favors for John West’s Brimstone property even before West became a county commissioner. The recent actions of the commissioners suggest that these favors not only continue but are being reciprocated.
Further compounding the issue, the Josephine County Planning Department failed to address several critical aspects of the mining operation, including activities outside the riparian corridor, the specifics of ore processing, the chemicals to be used, the water required, the construction of access roads, and the overall impact on the local community.
The actions of the county commissioners in this case have sparked significant concern among residents of Brimstone Gulch and beyond. By refusing to hold public hearings and making decisions behind closed doors, the commissioners have raised serious questions about their commitment to applying the law fairly and equally. As elected officials, their role is to represent the interests of all citizens, not just those with special connections or influence.
The community’s response to this incident reflects a growing demand for transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in local governance, as well as a need to scrutinize the relationships between public officials and private interests. The Brimstone Gulch controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and public participation in ensuring that government actions are conducted in the best interest of all.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to bring you more information as we uncover it.
