A short explanation of what's really been going on in Gilliam County. We, as a group, do not feel that what has been going on with our County Court is fair and just. We have asked the Court on several occasions to speak to the people before they make their motions to remove probate and our Judge position as we know it.
We have written to them, gone to some their homes, and shown them other opinions. It’s been Public Comment material in many of their meetings.
There are opinions from several attorneys that clarify how they have not followed the law. We're not trying to be Vigilantes or split the county. What we're trying to do is just have them follow the law. We're not holding an opinion whether we should have a judge or not. We're not holding an opinion whether we should have three or five commissioners. What we are doing is asking the County Court is to rescind their order and then hold a vote of the people. What they've done is undermine the voters. We've asked repeatedly for them to reconsider and they will not. We've tried everything we can to change their minds.
The only recourse we have is to get an Attorney, paid for by a few tax paying citizens of Gilliam County, to fight the Court. With the Court not willing to recognize us we are forced to look at other options. The only reason there might be upheaval in our County is because the Court is not willing to follow the law. They even brought it as far as the Oregon Legislature where it failed. We just want all tax paying citizens to have a voice, and if there is to be a monumental change to our County government it should be with long conversations and the vote of the people.
This all we have ever asked for. Let the people's voices be heard and listen to what they say.
Thank you,
Wayde Johnson, Arlington
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