Q. Richard Lee claims he should not be recalled for a personal dispute he has with the planning department and that his troubles started when Jennifer Bunch was assigned to his file.
A. Lee's serial violations of building codes began in 1984. It is no longer just a "personal" issue when the chairman of the board throws his weight around, intimidates employees and uses his influence to get what he wants for himself . Lee's behavior makes it difficult for him to do his job as commissioner.
- Lee may have to recuse himself or risk tainting all land-use decisions with personal bias.
- Lee will not be able to participate in budget process if they detail costs of the county's legal defense.
- His treatment of county employees was not only unbecoming it violated his oath of office.
Q. On March 3, 2008, in response to this question from a radio caller, "are all permits in place today for your RV park and golf course?" Lee responded "To my knowledge, yes, we have every permit we're supposed to have."
A. As of 3/5/08 the planning department reported the status of the planning issues is unchanged from mid-February. There are still several conditions that have not been met. The building official (Byerly) responded "Mr. Lee does not have all of the permits required to complete the RV park. The work that he is doing at this point is permitted. We have issued partial site work permits for utilities only for site "B" and utilities and park model set up permits for site "A". Plans for the remainder of the site, the overall site and the required bath houses have not been submitted, approved or permitted."
Q. Lee claims he's actually doing a public service by demonstrating that people in the planning department don't deal well with the public. "Planning happens to be something that I'm interested in."
A. Funny, in a list of accomplishments Lee recently gave, none have to do with reform of the planning department or Clatsop County's zoning laws. If Richard Lee thinks zoning and building codes are too onerous, why hasn't he used his considerable weight and time in office to champion reforming the code for everyone? Instead, he appears to have spent the last decade using his position to skirt the rules on his own projects.
As for being courteous, here is a conclusion of the Goldsmith Report, "Richard and Lynda Lee are regarded by the Planning Department staff as two of the County's most difficult customers because of their refusal to accept conditions the staff expect of them According to staff, when they ask Lynda Lee a question about a plan, she sometimes just look at them and sighs. There have been times when staff has been explaining an issue to her and she simply tums around and walks away. She is viewed by staff as "rude" and condescending."
and...
"Kraske [retiring assistant county manager] has had only two other non serious complaints about Planning staff in the last two yeas from the public at large, as compared to her estimate of more than one hundred complaints Lee has made to her."
Q. Lee believes the reasons people have organized a campaign to recall are: his perceived position on liquefied natural gas and his past disagreements with Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis.
A. Neither Josh Marquis nor Cindy Price are behind the recall effort. The reasons for Lee's recall are about his violations not his votes:
- Lee has made a mockery of justice and fair play in the county by repeatedly and persistently violating the laws he was sworn to uphold.
- Lee hired outside consultants and lawyers, then ignored them when they do not parrot his beliefs.
- Lee worked behind the scenes to manipulate and control the membership of the county planning commission so its votes would go as he wanted.
- Lee created an atmosphere in which county employees were concerned for their jobs if they did not cave in to his illegal demands.
- During Lee's chairmanship, the county commission became increasingly secretive and dismissive of the public.
Q. Lee says, "Elections not Recalls" and "Recall is Wrong" and "I think a recall should be for when you've done something wrong," he said. "They've portrayed me as doing something illegal, and I haven't."
A. A Recall is not reserved for criminals. The County's charter already requires the removal of felons. The ability of voters to remove an elected official from office for any number of reasons is a fundamental democratic principle embodied in our State laws.
The State of Oregon provides a Recall Manual to its citizens through the Secretary of State's office, and it begins with these words:
"Dear fellow Oregonian, It is my honor to provide the 2008 Recall Manual. Recall is one way in which Oregon pioneered citizen control of government. Oregonians amended the State Constitution in 1908 to allow citizens to vote to remove an elected public official from office. The active participation of Oregonians in helping ensure the quality and integrity of our elected public officials is a welcome and valuable contribution to an effective democracy."
It may be inconvenient for Mr. Lee to face the voters, but it's not wrong; it's our right.
Q. Lee says, "We've got all kinds of things to do without worrying about this petty crap we're going through" and "There's no substance, no specifics and it's not true." How serious are the charges against Lee?
A. Serious enough that all four of the county's legal advisors signed on to the following opinion,
"The difficulties posed by this situation are serious."
"In spite of Richard Lee’s leadership role in County Government and in the community, rather than act in a matter which is above reproach and which reflects a higher standard, Richard and Lynda Lee by their words and conduct appear to seek special treatment and favors to which others would not be entitled."
"This unique situation is caused by Richard Lee’s actions that have placed him in a position of legal adversity with Clatsop County."
READ THE FULL REPORT HERE
Q. What is the Goldsmith Report?
A. The Goldsmith Report is only the latest in a series of reports into Richard Lee's misconduct.
- August 2005 for missing permits
- June 2006, Investigation of Bert Stone's resignation
- October 2007, Investigation of Stewart Scarborough's resignation
- February 2008, Investigation of call to fire planner Jennifer Bunch "The Goldsmith Report"
The latest report , includes these conclusions:
"Apparently Lee believes slight violations of clear rules should be permitted and that he should not be disadvantaged by a requirement of compliance."
"When Richard Lee does not like a decision that Planning or Building Department staff makes, he makes an end run."
"Lee has made complaints to her [Kraske] on average weekly since becoming a County Commissioner, the majority of time about staff decisions on his own projects."
Q. Won't this election cost taxpayers unnecessarily?
A. No. According to Clatsop County the cost is about $5,000. The 4 investigations into Lee's conduct have surely cost well over that amount. Recalling Richard Lee will be worth the savings in wasted resources. And in any case, it's a small price to pay for the preservation of democracy.
Q. Lee says, "If you don’t agree with me, then you’ll certainly have your opportunity to replace me at the ballot box when my term of office expires in 2010."
A. Too much damage has been done already. We can't afford to wait.