HRC seeks volunteer interim commissioner

Nominated by Gov. Tina Kotek to fill Mark Thompson’s position on the OPUC, Perkins left the board of commissioners before his slated end-of-term on Dec. 31. He has served on the board since 2001.

Three people have filed for the position for the May 21 election; one candidate will need to receive a majority 51% of votes to be named commissioner in May or the position will be decided in November. The board recognizes the importance of finding a temporary replacement to fill the unexpired term, commissioners said at the March 18 meeting.

Though wary of swaying public opinion, the board acknowledged that choosing an interim commissioner out of the three candidates may serve best for the county. After some discussion, commissioners decided to put out a call for applications. Guidelines for choosing interim representatives allow the board some freedoms, so they can look outside the applicant pool if desired.

Ideal candidates are residents of District 4 in Hood River County who are looking for an opportunity to gain experience and volunteer to serve their community. Commissioners are also interested in candidates’ willingness to step aside from the position early depending on election outcomes, the earliest being May and the latest being December.

Chair Jennifer Euwer will temporarily fill in on several of Perkins’ committee seats for continuity’s sake, including MCEDD and the Energy Council. Perkins’ other representative positions with groups like forest management and public lands have been filled by the committees.

Applications for the District 4 Interim Commissioner position are due by April 10 and interviews will take place at 4 p.m. April 15. To apply or learn more about qualifying requirements, check out www.hoodrivercounty.gov/volunteering.