Finally got a DVD of the April 29, 2009 budget work session where Bob Main took issue with statements made by Kevin Stufflebean at the IBO Luncheon debate with Larry Van Elsberg. Stufflebean effectively accuses Main of collusion with the road workers when asked why he wouldn’t reconsider the road department reorganization.
We actually did consider that but the problem we ran into was that it was obvious that Commissioner Main had already met with uh, members of the road department and made promises to them he couldn’t meet. Our job was to move forward with the process that was best for the taxpayers and not looking at hidden agendas like so many individuals have.
Wednesday, Main, reads the above quote into the public record and this response to Stufflebean’s claims.
Now, early in January, at a Board session here in this room, Kevin stated that before. The union president got up and said there has never been a conversation. I told Mr Stufflebean there has never been a conversation, nor has there been since, about that. I just want to clear that up.
Stufflebean replied angrily amidst protest from fellow commissioner, Nikki Whitty that Main had told him he had met with the Union and therefore his statement was true. Main, clearly upset, made it clear that meeting with his constituents, union members or otherwise, did not constitute making deals.
What actually happened was, I went to find out the other side of statements and I was there at that meeting at the labor hall. Yes, they did support me for commissioner but I wanted to find out as any, good, reasonable commissioner would, to find out all sides of the issue. That’s all the reason, the only reason I went. There was no deal whatsoever, never has been, before, since, after at all.
Throughout the exchange, Stufflebean never once that I could see, looks at Main. Main directed his statement almost entirely towards Stufflebean, on the other hand and was clearly outraged.
Good for Bob Main, for clearing these accusations up on the public record.
Hello DJ, thank you. As best as I understand, should the recall be successful, Stufflebean must vacate the seat by May 26, (he may resign earlier if he wants to).
The remaining two commissioners must appoint an interim commissioner. As I understand there are no specific Oregon statutes governing this process.
Several names have been bandied about as possible interim candidates. Andy Jackson has indicated he may apply to the Board. No guess here as to whether Whitty and Main could reach an agreement to appoint him.
Former Commissioner Bev Owen has expressed interest. Again no reason to believe an agreement might be reached between Whitty and Main.
Jody McCaffree’s name is constantly being thrown out but she has stated she is not interested in the interim position. Again, no idea whether the Board would reach a consensus even if she were interested.
In the event no consensus can be reached it is up to the governor to appoint an interim commish.
Wish I could be more helpful but this is my understanding.
Your site has given the most info on the recall I can find. Could you help direct me to a few more pieces of info I’m looking for before I cast my ballot? What happens after the recall if it’s successful? Another election for the vacated spot or will an appointment be made and if so by whom? Will the decisions made by Stufflebean be changed immediately or let stand? Thanks