Nichols appointed

THE DALLES — After several weeks of deliberation, the Wasco County board nominated and directly appointed Gorge Commission member and longtime journalist Rodger Nichols to finish the late Commissioner Phil Brady’s term July 15.

Before naming their nominee, Commission Chair Scott Hege and Commissioner Jeff Justesen shared that they had considered proceeding with the year leaving Brady’s seat empty, but that they were concerned about the vulnerability of having only two out of three commissioners. Hege also pointed out that having someone in the seat would offer the board a better capacity to hear from constituents and interface with the public.

Justesen described “many sleepless nights” considering the five pathways laid out by County Administrator Tyler Stone in May following Brady’s sudden passing on May 19, as previously reported by Columbia Gorge News.

Hege’s voice tightened with apparent emotion, saying, “We can’t replace Phil,” reiterating the county’s gratitude to Brady’s service and honoring of his memory.

Nichols’ partial term will end with the conclusion of the year, after which the Position 3 candidate elected in November will assume the role in January 2027.

From reporter to commissioner

Nichols worked for The Dalles Chronicle for 21 years before serving as news director for Haystack Broadcasting’s group of radio stations (now Gorge Country Media): Y-102, KLCK and Star 103. From 1991-2010, Nichols wrote more than 900 installments of a weekly business column, “Word on the Street.”

He garnered praise in a proclamation from the City of The Dalles, which cited his “fair and accurate reporting;” won statewide journalism awards; and was named 2009 Small Business Journalist of the Year by the Small Business Administration.

Hege and Justesen listed Nichols’ longtime faithful attendance at county board meetings, his commitment to the facts and community volunteerism on the Columbia River Gorge Commission as contributing factors to his nomination.

“He’s neutral, and he’s been involved in a lot of areas of politics, and has his finger on the pulse of things,” said Commissioner Justesen.

Appearing surprised, Nichols approached the podium to answer a series of questions from Justesen and Hege, agreeing to the travel and time commitment associated with the commissioner role.

“I would be honored,” Nichols said. “I would try to do anything Phil would want me to do.”

Nichols recalled previously running for Wasco County Commissioner in the 2010s and was beaten by first-time incumbent Steve Kramer.

Before leaving the podium, Rodgers said his wife told him, “You’d better do it well.”

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Rodger Nichols is a freelance reporter for Columbia Gorge News.