Oregon: Signatures handed in against two Coos Bay Hospital Board Members; Allegations of theft of signatures for four other recall efforts

Signatures were handed in against two Coos Bay Hospital Board of Directors Members, Chair Dr. Thomas McAndrew and Secretary Dr. Donna Rabin. In an odd twist, petitioners also targeted four other members, Mark Sheldon, Barbara Taylor, Troy Cribbins and Carma Erickson-Hurt, but claim that 2400 signature sheets were stolen from their campaign office. 

The recall is backed by two labor unions, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 and the Oregon Nurses Association. The two unions have reportedly spent $85,000 for the recall effort.

Petitioners claim that the recall is over hiring a senior executive who was a convicted embezzler and a board decision to shut an acute psychiatric unit (the decision was later reversed). The unions are in the middle of contract renewal negotiations.