As you know, a core group of Republicans is attempting to recall Grants Pass Mayor Sara Bristol. As stated in the Grants Pass Courier, this group achieved getting the required number of signatures via dishonesty and deception. Further, a letter to the editor from a Republican noted that this core group uses their version of hate filled conservatism to win elections, and now an attempt to recall a mayor.
What follows is a letter from the Mayor in response to the recall petition.
I’m writing today to ask for your support. I didn’t expect to be campaigning this year, but there’s been a plot twist: You’ve likely heard about a group of petitioners who have been gathering signatures to recall me from office. I learned this afternoon that they did collect enough valid signatures to force a recall election. The election will happen very quickly — early September — and ballots will go out ASAP.
This recall effort is a partisan attack on an independent voice. The petitioners are driven by grievances they don’t want to explain or be honest about and have attempted to deceive the public with false claims that I am responsible for the homeless situation in our parks. It’s not about parks, it’s about dirty tricks and politics.
I’m not going to resign. I was elected by voters to serve as your mayor, and I’m committed to doing that. In order to succeed, I need your support. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.
Here are some ways you can help immediately:
Write a letter to the editor. Letters should be 250 words or less; send them to letters@thedailycourier.com or sneakpre@mind.net.
Please donate if you’re able. There’s no voter pamphlet in a recall election. We’ll need lawn signs, door hangers and other materials to get the message out to voters.
Send checks to:
Sara Bristol for Mayor PAC
850 NE 10th St.
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Donate online at donorbox.org/retain-mayor-bristol
Do you have a location for a yard sign? Please let me know and we’ll get one out to you. Going forward, we may need help distributing door hangers and yard signs, tabling at the Growers’ Market or other tasks. Please let me know if you’re willing to help in these ways and I’ll be in touch as needed.
Thank you so much for your time and assistance. I believe Grants Pass is a wonderful community, and I am grateful for your support.
Sincerely,