In the dimly lit chambers of Coos Bay City Hall, a poignant discussion unfolded during the City Council meeting on December 3, 2024. The atmosphere was charged as community members voiced their concerns over pressing local issues, particularly the troubling intersection of public contracts and extremist activities, as well as the ongoing crisis of homelessness.

One of the most alarming topics raised was the involvement of Michael Woodworth Cantonbein, known as Witt, whose company, Witt Industries, has been a significant player in local hydraulics and ship painting. Recent revelations have linked Witt to white supremacist organizing, specifically as a high-ranking member of the Oregon chapter of the neo-Nazi group, White Lives Matter. It was disclosed that Witt has utilized public funds—amounting to a quarter of a million dollars in contracts—to bolster his extremist agenda, including hiring fellow neo-Nazis and producing propaganda. The community was urged to reconsider its associations and the implications of enabling such figures through public contracts.

The meeting took a somber turn as a speaker shared the tragic story of Thomas Powell, a 58-year-old homeless man who died from hypothermia. Powell's death was attributed to the loss of access to essential services after the closure of the Nancy Devereaux Center, a vital resource for the homeless. The speaker passionately criticized the city for its decision to revoke the center's business license, asserting that such actions directly contributed to the loss of life. "Thomas Powell's blood is on the hands of the city of Coos Bay," they declared, highlighting the absurdity of allowing preventable deaths in a nation of such wealth.

In response to the ongoing homelessness crisis, the council discussed updates regarding the Nancy Devereaux Center. The center's board announced plans to close its physical location and forfeit its business license, opting instead to collaborate with community partners to continue supporting vulnerable populations. This decision reflects a significant shift in strategy, aiming to restructure the organization while still addressing the needs of those it serves.

The council also addressed proposed amendments to the city's camping ordinance, which aims to provide more flexibility for housing units in the community. The discussions included potential internal reviews for sites wishing to exceed the current limit of three units, emphasizing the need for sanitation and oversight to ensure neighborhood safety.

As the meeting concluded, the weight of the discussions lingered in the air, leaving council members and attendees alike to ponder the future of Coos Bay. The challenges of combating extremism and addressing homelessness remain at the forefront of community concerns, urging a collective reevaluation of priorities and resources in the pursuit of a more inclusive and safe environment for all residents.