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Public comments at Josephine County meeting reflect recall drive, accusations and concerns about intimidation
Summary
Multiple residents used the Sept. 4 Josephine County meeting to press for or oppose a recall of commissioners, accuse officials of intimidation, and urge transparency. Commissioners responded with calls for civility and said constitutional and charter issues raised would require legal review.
Public comment at the Josephine County Board of Commissioners' Sept. 4 meeting was dominated by claims and counterclaims about a recall effort, allegations of harassment and calls for transparency from speakers on both sides of the political debate.
Residents repeatedly urged action or restraint. Victor (last name not specified) told the board the commissioners had "the unmitigated gall" to single out opponents and said a recall would be "overwhelmingly approved by the voters." Paulette Toronto, who said she was present with recall petitions, told the board, "I have recall petitions here if anybody wants to sign." Several residents, including Rebecca Anderson and others, criticized commissioners' conduct during recent public events and said staff and the public were put at risk when tempers flared after prior meetings.
At the same time, some speakers spoke in defense of the commissioners. Darius England of Grants Pass said "tens of thousands of Josephine County residents ... love what you're doing" and urged the board to "stay tough, stay strong." Patrick Rooney said those pushing the recall should be transparent about their own affiliations.
A resident who identified himself as Asperlock (first name not given) described differences in demeanor between pro‑recall and anti‑recall protesters and accused Commissioner Bleck of shaking hands with a local resident who had recently resigned from a city committee after making controversial remarks. Asperlock quoted a line he attributed to Commissioner Bleck: "Did anyone bring a broom because we sweep them out?" and told the board he had brought a broom “that you requested here today.”
Several commenters referenced legal and charter rules. One speaker asked the board to review the Josephine County Charter, citing "chapter 5 17.5" and arguing that personnel actions must be decided by a majority vote of the full board. Commissioner Black responded by reading from the charter's chapter 3, section 10, saying the chair "shall preside over the board meetings ... preserve order at the meetings" and that he had done so during the session. Black told residents that some concerns about detainers and immigration enforcement should be directed to the sheriff and noted Oregon is a sanctuary state.
Multiple commenters also alleged intimidation tied to recall petitions. Rebecca Anderson described being spoken to confrontationally when recall paperwork was filed at the courthouse and said she felt harassed; another speaker warned that identifying people who sign recall petitions could amount to voter intimidation.
No formal action on the recall was taken by the board at this meeting. Commissioners used their closing remarks to call for civility. Commissioner Smith urged the public to focus on larger national and economic issues, while Commissioner Barnett thanked many public commenters for engagement and said he supported several county departments by visiting them and working with staff.
