On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Board of Josephine County Commissioners proclaimed the week of Sept. 17-23, 2024, U.S. Constitution Week during their weekly business session at Anne G. Basker Auditorium in Grants Pass.
Interim Commissioner Andreas Blech read the proclamation, reciting in part, “Our U.S. Constitution means an opportunity for each, protection for all, justice for everyone, and liberty both civil and religious, for the strong and the weak, and the rich and the poor.”
The commissioners encouraged citizens to “relearn and appreciate this great document written by our Founding Fathers.”
As is often the case as an election approach, there were some contentious exchanges that took place during requests and comments from citizens, with several representatives of the Josephine County Democratic Party taking advantage of their three minutes.
One commenter who did not state her name expressed concern about the relationship between current commissioners and candidate for the board Chris Barnett. “While it’s not uncommon for public officials to support or endorse candidates, the nature and extent of your involvement with Mr. Barnett raises questions. Specifically, I’m curious to know whether you have a formal or informal political or business relationship with Mr. Barnett and how this relationship may be influencing your actions or decisions as commissioners.”
This individual also addressed reports that Board Chair John West was seen erecting yard signs for the Barnett campaign and removing signs of his opponent, Colleen Martin. “Public officials are expected to separate the official duties from personal political efforts, and I want to understand how you maintain this separation in practice,” she said.
Another speaker who introduced herself as Raleigh Smith issued a harsh indictment regarding how the commissioners honor their oaths of office: “You do a proclamation for our Constitution for a set week of the year, and I’m going to say that I think you all need to read the Constitution and abide by the Constitution, something you all seem to fail at quite well.”
Barnett himself took to the podium next, and spoke about what he would “bring to the table” as commissioner.
Note: The Board of Commissioners has a longstanding rule barring citizens from advocating for political candidates during meetings. In the past, political candidates have been interrupted and made to cease delivering remarks for violating this rule. However, none of the commissioners interrupted Barnett, despite his repeatedly advocating for his campaign and intentions for office should he prevail in November.
“Very disturbing when you get people stepping up thinking that I can’t have a relationship with any representative,” Barnett said in defense of himself. “I talk to the mayor, I talk to CEOs, I have a real estate business that I do business with a lot of businesses entailed. And just to address these concerns, I don’t have no business (sic) entity with Mr. West. I don’t. And just because I’m seen with him, I’m seen with any other commissioner, I don’t take pictures and post them like Raleigh Smith did over there bashing me.”
Barnett continued, “It’s time for a great change in our community. And that’s what I’m going to bring to the table as county commissioner. These people don’t know me as much as they think they do because I’m running on my own ticket with my own money and doing this for the people of Josephine County. I just hope that people can play fair. When people are running and you’re the frontrunner like I am right now, I would hope that people can be civil.”
Before the end of his remarks, the candidate addressed 9/11 and his military service: “I got deployed for two years on this day 23 years ago when we got attacked. And you know what, I raised my hand every single day to serve the people. And it was kind of disappointing to hear the stuff today when today is supposed to be in memory of those people who sacrificed their lives. So thank you for this time today. I pray for peace and let’s move forward.”
Blech’s response to public commentary was not lengthy, but he briefly touched upon the criticism the board received regarding connections with candidates, saying, “ I know most of the candidates that are running. I’m friends with most of the candidates that are running. I like the candidates that are running and I admire a candidate that runs a clean campaign.”
Commissioner Herman Baertschiger completely dismissed the attacks against him and his colleagues. “It’s not your business who I support for candidates or who I don’t support. Neither is it any of my business who you support or don’t support… Just ‘cause we’re elected doesn’t mean we have to disclose, you know, which church we go to, who we associate with, all of those kinds of things. Only when it becomes a conflict of interest. That’s the only time and that’s for financial benefit.”
Finally, West, who has been attacked most frequently given he is the only commissioner who will still hold his seat four months from now, and is also the subject of a divisive recall effort, was similarly dismissive of the charges leveled at him.
“If I want to help my neighbor, my friend, anyone in this community put up a sign, put their garbage can out, whatever it is, if you think that’s bad, go ahead and think it’s bad because I’m going to continue to do it,” West said.