Stufflebean filed his statement of justification today thereby committing the County to incurring up to $60,000 to pay for a special election.

STATEMENT of justification from KEVIN STUFFLEBEAN

During these tough economic times, Coos County has had to make severe cutbacks to survive. I was elected to make these difficult and unpopular decisions and I have not shirked that responsibility.

At the very time when we are facing a shortfall of more than $1 million, a special-interest group has leveled false allegations against me in order to force a recall election costing the taxpayers approximately $60,000.00.

As your commissioner, I had to make necessary reductions and then I pitched in to work with department employees to make important infrastructure improvements. These steps are what you expect from your commissioner and ones I was willing to take.

Making unpopular but important decisions is part of a commissioner’s job. Because some very tough decisions have been made, Coos County is in a better position than other counties, and it’s my goal to continue to guide the county through this economic storm.

I pledge to continue to look out for all Coos County residents, unlike these few disgruntled people who are trying to push the county off course with their false allegations. I urge you to VOTE NO and help me keep Coos County moving forward.

Respectfully,

Kevin Stufflebean

It does appear someone helped with the grammar, thank goodness, however the tenor of the letter is typical of Stufflebean. For example he accuses the recall committee of making false allegations but does not clarify what they are leaving the reader hanging. He accuses the group of being a special interest group (isn’t every recall committee?) but does not clarify the ‘interest’ nor does he address any of the concerns of the committee namely transparency.