commissioners hear recall rumors over Klamath agreement 080709

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Commissioners hear recall rumors over agreement

Herald and News 8/7/09 by Ty Beaver

Klamath Count y ’s commissioners are going on the offensive after hearing rumors they will be recalled if they do not reject the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement. They say they are not committed in favor or opposition to the agreement at this time but won’t tolerate threats.

Commissioners Cheryl Hukill and Al Switzer said past backers of a move to reorganize county government are behind the rumors of a recall effort against them if they approve of the restoration agreement, which seeks to resolve water disputes between farmers, tribes, fishermen and environmentalists .

In a letter to the Herald and News, Hukill criticized those pressuring her and other elected officials over a single decision.

“I have a message to this group: I will not be threatened, manipulated, or coerced into voting your way, in order to keep my job,” the letter read. “If this is your mode of operation, then you had better be prepared to initiate recalls every month.”

Switzer said he does not intend to write his ow n letter, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an option.

The commissioners said the rumors are being reported by those hearing them in the community and not from anyone connected to a potential recall or charter government effort.

Joe Spendolini, chairman of the Klamath County Republican Central Committee, said he’d also heard the rumors but not from anyone connected to a recall or charter government effort.

Bill Kennedy, A Poe Valley ir r igator who worked on the county charter proposal rejected by voters last November, said he did not know of anyone working on a recall effort against the commissioners. He also said Hukill should not accuse a group of something she has not verified.

—Ty Beaver