Dan Mancuso
IVN staff
A group of citizens named Committee to Recall John West showed up at the Josephine County Court House with enough signatures to refer the recall of Commissioner John West to a vote of the people.
The group was tasked with collecting signatures came in with 7,538 surpassing the required minimum of 6445 to initiate a recall election. The Josephine County Clerk’s office will have 30 days to verify the signatures.
Once the verification process is complete, West will be given five days to decide whether to resign or fight the recall. All indicators seem clear that he will put up a fight.
Lead by petitioner Lily Morgan stated that while getting signatures was relatively easy, there were some who showed fear of West knowing they signed.
“Many people have been willing to sign the recall petition, and many have volunteered toward the effort. Sadly, we heard from some who were afraid to sign for fear of retaliation, however, stated they supported our cause,” Morgan wrote in an email to the Illinois Valley News.
If as expected, West chooses to fight the recall, an election will likely be scheduled in January. If West loses this vote, the two remaining county commissioners will be charged with choosing his replacement. In the event of a tie, the replacement decision will go to the vote of the Josephine County elected officials.
Morgan was appreciative of all those who helped. “I am thankful for all those who came alongside to help.”
For more information on the recall can be found at recalljohnwest.com.