Contributor: William Kronert
In 2022, John West won his election with over 57% of the vote. He campaigned on reducing costs, saving taxpayer money, streamlining county operations, and removing unnecessary department heads to ensure a more efficient government. Since taking office, he has delivered on these promises by cutting costs, safeguarding taxpayer funds, and working to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of county operations—all despite facing opposition from those who prefer the status quo of government waste.
These efforts have drawn criticism from a small but vocal group opposed to his reforms. This group has launched a recall effort, centered on six key allegations. Below, each of these allegations is addressed directly by John West. For more detailed information, including interviews, please visit: https://jocogop.org/john-west-recall-interviews-and-information/
Be sure to Vote NO on the Recall.
1) Bad faith negotiations on county owned property known as Pipe Fork and jeopardizing William’s water supply.
- Environmentalist group altered terms for Pipe Fork sale, removing the requirement to keep it open to the public.
- Proposed transfer to BLM could lead to clearcutting, closure, or mismanagement.
- Group sought to purchase taxpayer land $430,000 below market value.
- The county still owns the land, county has not lost money.
- John West does not have the authority to act alone in this decision.
- Pipe Fork Creek is not a domestic water source for Williams (per State Water Master).
2) Ignoring the will of the voters by eliminating funding for OSU extension, law enforcement and public health.
- OSU Extension and 4-H failed to provide transparency on $1.2 million in taxpayer funding.
- Over 95% of 4-H participants transitioned to a private group (Youth and Ag), but tax funding remained unchanged.
- County is saving money by not paying for services that are no longer used.
- The Board of Commissioners ensures taxpayer funds are used responsibly to prevent waste, abuse, or fraud.
- Fact: John West cannot unilaterally make funding decisions; two other commissioners are involved.
- John West was the only vote against cutting funding for 10 deputies and the Community Health budget.
3) Allegation West shows pattern of breaking state laws and labor law violations.
- Commissioner West has not violated any laws or regulations.
- 13 ethics complaints filed by critics; 11 dismissed, 2 pending dismissal.
4) Allegations of unlawfully approved library district withdrawal.
- Citizens can legally apply to withdraw from the library district.
- All three commissioners and legal council were involved in the decision process.
- John West does not have the authority to act alone in this decision.
- Withdrawal process temporarily paused due to incorrect forms, avoiding library expenses or loss of money by the county.
- Proper forms now in use; the library withdrew its complaint.
5) Allegations of West showing a pattern of threatening community safety
- West supported extending the Firewise Program despite state budget cuts.
- Fact: Emergency management programs were not cut, and ODF provides fire protection.
- Commissioners voted unanimously to prevent double taxation for fire coverage.
- John West did not act alone nor does he have the authority to act alone in this decision.
6) Allegations of hiring unqualified political allies for county and contractor positions
- All hires meet qualification and program needs; contractors are skilled and experienced.
- Fact: A contractor earning $1,600/month for two months helped secure $150,000 in broadband grant funding, the largest award in the state.
- John West is one of three commissioners who does not have the authority to act alone to hire or fire anyone.
Be sure to Vote NO on the Recall.
