For County Commissioner Candidate Rod Taylor and his supporters Citizens Restoring Liberty (CRL) outrage and anger are an essential part of politics.
When the Coos County Board of Commissioners (BOC) met November 1 a Rod Taylor supporter told the BOC she had been monitoring a ballot drop box and the County Election Office. She was outraged an election worker picked up ballots at the drop-box while wearing a “Halloween” cape. She was further outraged to discover Halloween decorations and some employees in costumes at the Courthouse.
In response the County Maintenance Director told the BOC his workers had taken Halloween off, worn costumes and put-up decorations all at their own expense.
The November 1 incident was not the first time a CRL member criticized a county employee’s clothing. At the 9/6/22 BOC meeting Diane Rich, an unsuccessful candidate for County Clerk interrupted a presentation by the Coos Health and Wellness Director. She shouted, “Do you realize he has on Black Lives Matter socks?” Does CRL want to put crimes of fashion in the criminal code?
Rod Taylor and his supporters are cultural warriors. They disrupt public meetings. They demonize those they don’t like such as drag queens and gay people. They accuse public officials of corruption and fraud without evidence.
If elected Mr. Taylor will use the Commissioner’s Office to agitate, not govern. If defeated Mr. Taylor and CRL will continue their cultural wars. We may tire of this conflict but democracy requires active supporters, not spectators.
