Commissioner John Sweet, who essentially ignored the primary race and was upstaged by his opponent Don Gurney, has finally updated his campaign finance report and shows $4,750 in contributions for this election. Mahaffy Tree Farm, Inc is the largest contributor to date giving $2,000 followed by Al Pierce Co at $600 and the Coquille Tribe with $500.
Sweet’s support for the Jordan Cove LNG project has paid off. The Natural Gas Political Action Committee, headed by NW Natural’s Gary Bauer, has contributed $250 and some of the usual suspects, Bill and Ann Lansing and Dave and Barbara Kronsteiner have thrown in $250 and $400 respectively.
The CCAP (Coos County Alliance for Progress), that contributed heavily to the commission elections in 2012 and has approximately $5,400 in its war chest, has yet to jump into the game.
As in the last election, most of Sweet’s financial support comes from the north county while Gurney is popular with south county voters. 
During my stops at the fair this week it was interesting to note that Sweet mans his campaign booth alone while Gurney has several volunteers. Sweet has been advocating for the CEP (Community Enhancement Plan) which effectively reapportions property taxes away from the rural county and toward the Bay Area. Gurney opposes the plan and is running against Sweet for this reason amongst others. Regrettably, this race is stacking up to be a regular civil war, north county vs south county, special interests vs yāhoos.
I voted for Sweet. I was disappointed when I realized that I voted for a monarch. We have one monarch POTUS too many. Gurney MUST do something to make himself known in North Bend and Coos Bay. This is Sweet’s family home. I am a Gurney supporter and I know nothing about him, his positions, his plans, how he will operate as a commissioner other than what I have read in The World. Maybe start by educating the public what a commissioner can and can’t do for the people. Why are you better than Sweet. Draw a comparison what four years of Sweet and Cribbins can do to the county. You’ve won Coquille and Myrtle Point; stop wasting time. It’s a nice tractor; but, garage the tractor and find strength in his business experience; especially the forest and how he, working with Main, can increase the revenue. Main has many supporters in NB and CB. Find ways to associate himself with the good of Main. Take an early position against the workers camp under the bridge. Concentrate on getting votes from the poor people of the Empire area who generally don’t vote and their taxes, the fact that CEP monies will benefit downtown waterfront business, not the residents of Empire. Explain why supporting the tribe roads request and forest management plan is not a good deal for the average citizen. And, last, for now, persuade his supporters to run for NB and CB mayor and council.