Letter: Vote ‘no’ on mayoral recall measure

Published 6:15 am Thursday, December 28, 2023

To the Editor:

With next week’s arrival of a new John Day city manager, John Day’s atmosphere should improve. It hasn’t been easy for John Day Mayor Heather Rookstool, who jumped into her position with the city in a state of disarray. From the piles of records dumped on the desk at City Hall to resignations and a constant barrage of ugliness thrown at her, she and the John Day City Council have kept the city moving forward.

The recall effort, I believe, was brought forth by people who want the city of John Day to operate as “business as usual” before last year’s much-needed change with new city council members and the election of Mayor Rookstool.

As a regular attendee of John Day City Council meetings, I’ve been disgusted by the tone and actions of several community members, the recall pushers. In my opinion, they’ve been vicious, mocking, harassing and bullying, which has been totally unnecessary, along with the recall’s unwarranted accusations.

The condition of city business last year left some of us wondering about decisions and actions of previous City Council members, administrators and employees. Some of these issues should make everyone raise their eyebrows. There were financial activities and expenditures that should cause concern.

The city’s budget that affects us all needed to be brought into check.

The city’s unfinished projects, through efforts of Mayor Rookstool and the council, are moving forward, even though there’ve been some pretty big roadblocks. I appreciate the diligence and detail that the mayor and council have given as they conduct city business with help from the city attorney and project managers. New procedures have been implemented to make things even more transparent, and regular town hall meetings are planned as another way for all of us to be better informed and involved.

This letter is in support of Mayor Heather Rookstool, and I urge a “no” vote on the recall. She deserves to continue her service with the new city manager who will arrive soon, and a full city council. I believe good things are on the horizon.

Heather Swank

John Day