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To the Editor:

In a recent letter to the editor (“John Day Voters Have Big Decisions to Make,” Aug. 16, 2024), a John Day resident expressed his gratitude that the city is finally moving in a positive direction and that the recall is unnecessary.

What positive direction is he referring to? Is it the council canceling their meeting the week the mill announced it would close because there was nothing to talk about? Is it creating a homeless camp next to City Hall to welcome visitors to our community rather than a more appropriate place? Is it that they’ve failed to produce financial audits for the past two years? How about giving back millions of dollars in grant funds like the purple pipe? Or their failure to deliver broadband that’s been funded for two years? Or botching the sale of the greenhouse by claiming they needed an appraisal and then not getting one?

Perhaps it was their decision to withdraw from R3 and cancel their housing incentive program when there’s a critical shortage of workforce housing? Or maybe draining their general fund from the $420,000 they inherited in June of 2022 to the $12,000 the city manager cited in her budget message this year? Maybe it’s the tens of thousands in legal fees the city incurs every month without explanation? Or perhaps the city staff unionizing out of fear for their jobs and unwarranted harassment by city councilors in public meetings?

Time to face facts. This council is leading John Day nowhere.

Feeling like John Day is finally going in a positive direction doesn’t make it so. Just saying the words is blowing smoke.

Casey Myers, a 16-year veteran employee of John Day, our public works director and a well-respected member of our community, at the risk of his own employment and reputation, files a recall to blow the whistle on the harm this council is doing. Believe him. Stand by him. Don’t buy the lie.

It’s time to make a stand. Vote “yes” to recall and let your voice be heard.

Morgan Green

John Day