Whatever the outcome of the Gurney vs Sweet match up tonight, let’s cross our collective fingers the margin is sufficient to spare the county another recount similar to what happened between Bob Main and Fred Messerle.
As a sort of balm to ease my jitters I filed a citizen initiative today, of all days, to reclaim our right to local self-governance. “Whereas, we the people of Coos County possess the inherent and inalienable right to govern our own community, as secured by the Declaration of Independence’s reaffirmation of the right of people to alter or abolish their government if it renders self-government impossible, and of the Oregon Constitution’s recognition that ―”All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness;” and…” Much more on this later.
Our county clerk, Terri Turi did not especially appreciate the election day timing, (who could blame her), but graciously took it in stride and date stamped the filing.
Meanwhile, stay tuned to this post and I will update it through the evening as we party hardy at Figaro’s in Coquille. Everyone is invited, even John Sweet supporters (if they buy the pizza).
UPDATE
At 10:30 PM there are still approximately 6K votes to be counted and Don Gurney is trailing John Sweet by 9 points. The charter failed, garnering less than 25% of the vote.
