On a fog shrouded Sunday afternoon near the D River Wayside in Lincoln City, Oregon two groups stood, not just on opposite sides of a bridge but, on opposite sides of a movement.
The matter at hand is an effort to refer to voters a petition to recall Lincoln County Commissioner Claire Hall. Hall has come under scrutiny for several matters that have upset many locals. Chiefly, the complaint that Hall is running the Board of Commissioners (BOC) like a bully with no accountability to anyone, violating Oregon’s Open Meeting laws, and has resisted establishing rules of conduct for the BOC to abide by. The pro-recall group also cites ongoing conflict between Hall and Commissioner Casey Miller as well as District Attorney Jenna Wallace.
The pro-Hall side countered with their version of events that, obviously, contradict those on the west side of the bridge. Citing Hall’s lengthy stay of office and a willingness to listen, they don’t seem to put much stock in the anti-Hall crowd’s claims. They proffered the notion that the anti-Hall crowd is anti-transexuals (Claire Hall proclaimed being transgender in 2018),and anti-homosexuals because the recall group is also seeking signatures to recall Oregon Governor Tina Kotek (whom NBC news referred to as “Oregon’s first lesbian governor.”).
While the recall group (who never mentioned anything personal about either elected individual), waved American flags and displayed “Recall Hall” signs, fellow members manned a folding table to gather signatures not just for the two recall efforts but also a petition to renew in person voting in Oregon and a petition to limit toll roads in Oregon.
Passing cars gave respectful honks to both sides and each group, so to speak, managed to stay in their own lanes.
In my opinion, Casey Miller needs to be recalled.
Read this:
https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/DocumentCenter/View/6258/Miller-Investigation-Letter-and-Report-PDF
I have driven by the Recall group many times and have yet to see anyone signing their petitions. That said, I think it is important to gather all of the facts from each side before making comments that may seem misleading to readers. I have been at several Commissioner meetings this year. They are professionally run by Commissioner Hall. Unfortunately, people use the public comment period to make personal accusations against Hall instead of making public comments on issues that pertain to the good of Lincoln County’s residents.
Thank you, Don for bringing the real issues to light and covering both sides. I appreciated your article and your interest in the truth.
Thank you
Thank you Don – as always – right to the point with clear reporting.
Thank you Don – as always fair and clear reporting.
I have the unfortunate understanding that the main people promoting Hall to stay in office (the people hall has on her Facebook profile page) have not been friendly nor could they stay on the other side of the street in the past. Though it seems after recently striking my arm/wrist prior to a BOC public meeting and bringing unwanted attention from local authorities. That may be a reason they’re now staying away from the recall potion cites, though a number of them couldn’t help themselves but to go around them taking photos, making childish faces and comments. The day after striking me casing me to go to urgent care the next morning. Maybe what happened to me was enough for the word to get out amongst them to stop their old antics of crowding people so close that barely anyone could see them doing the very same thing. Supporting their opinions of who they support in public
Great story Don