“I LOVE AMERICA”

Last Saturday, we posted a story titled, “RISE UP” regarding protests in the Central Oregon area against Governor Kate Brown’s lockdown mandate.

We mentioned that the protestors included Jefferson County Commissioner, Mae Huston. Commissioner Huston was waving an American Flag and commented: “I LOVE AMERICA.”

In a Letter to the Editor, titled, “NOT IMPRESSED WITH THAT LEADERSHIP”, published in today’s Madras Pioneer and written by former Jefferson County Sheriff, Mike Throop, he questioned Jefferson County Commissioner Mae Huston’s ‘leadership.’

HOW COME?

According to Throop’s letter, he observed a large group of protestors that included Commissioner Huston, not wearing masks or following the social distancing rule. He stated, “No one in the group had on a mask nor were they six feet apart.” He adds, “Great example by someone who is responsible for running this county” and accuses her of “poor judgement.”

Does an elected official have a right to protest, demonstrate and exercise their First Amendment Rights?

IN OUR OPINION, YES!

Is there more to the story?

In 2014, Throop was running against Huston for an open seat on the Commission and lost. Huston received 1396 votes to Throop’s 673 votes.

Further, Throop was Sheriff of Jefferson County for three terms, but lost his job in 1997 when convicted of “felony campaign contribution fraud in the 1992 election.” In an old Bend Bulletin article, Throop stated, “I screwed up, I don’t know how else to say it.”

QUESTIONING HUSTON’S LEADERSHIP & JUDGEMENT?