To the editor:

This is a response to the March 2 letter in the Newport News-Times by Bernice Barnett, which is full of inaccuracies. As a concerned citizen of Waldport, I feel the need to respond.

The movement to recall Menefee and Holt from the Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue board is not just “Peter Carlich’s recall petition.” In fact, I support the recall, as do many taxpayers in the district. The two board members were elected in an election that had only a mere 30 percent of voters participating. I don’t think that is an accurate representation of what the fire district wants or needs.

As a retired attorney I know the difference between legal and ethical. Apparently neither Barnett nor Menefee do. Menefee claims that the Oregon Ethics Commission told her it was legal for her to run for a seat on the board of the very district her husband is suing in federal court for $1.1 million. While in fact it may be legal, it is highly unethical. She claims she will not vote on anything to do with the lawsuit. Great, but if her husband wins his lawsuit, will she refuse to participate in the winnings? I suspect not. As a retired attorney, Barnett should also know the difference between legal and ethical. It surprises me that Barnett is supporting an unethical director.

Both Menefee and Holt ran for the COCF&R board with their own personal agendas which have nothing to do with the good of the district. They have done nothing but cause discord since being elected. This is clear from watching the tapings of the board meetings. They have violated Oregon statutes and board policies over and over. Those violations are documented.

I urge the voters in the fire district to support the recall. If you need evidence of how Menefee and Holt have been conducting themselves, please go to a Facebook page called Save Our Fire Services. There are many examples posted there of the behavior of these two board members. Please check these out and then sign a petition to recall both Menefee and Holt.

— Susan Swander/Waldport