PRINEVILLE, OR -- Crook County Commissioners hope to recruit a number of qualified candidates to fill an upcoming vacancy on the County Court. As KBND News reported Tuesday, supporters of Jason Carr are advocating for the outgoing Prineville City Councilor to get the seat. Carr lost to Commissioner-elect Jerry Brummer in the general election. But, Judge-elect Seth Crawford says he and Brummer will consider all options. "We’re getting letters from all people in the community about all kinds of different people. And, what I’m trying to do is just keep an open mind and try and find the person that will best work to make Crook County a better place."
Crawford says he and Brummer will treat all applicants equally. "What we’re asking people to do is, if you’re interested, turn in an application to the County Clerk’s office. And then, in January, once myself and Jerry are sworn in, then we’ll look at all those applications and find the right person." According to county ordinance, the County Clerk cannot technically declare a vacancy until Crawford is sworn in as Judge, opening up his Commissioner seat. Clerk Cheryl Seely tells KBND News Crawford and Brummer will be sworn in December 30, effective January second, and then nominations and applications will be accepted through the end of January.
Qualified candidates must be registered Crook County voters. Crawford says he's looking for a well-rounded person. "It’s important that we have somebody that is knowledgeable about budgets, about natural resources; I think it’s important that we have somebody with a lot of energy. I think that’s really key." He adds, "It’s an opportunity to really professionalize the county; I think it’s something that’s been missing for a long time. And by saying that I’m not saying we don’t have great department heads and great employees. We just need somebody at the top leading the county. And, I think myself and Jerry Brummer and whoever we pick in the third [position] will do a really great job of that." Crawford and Brummer have until the end of March to appoint a third Commissioner.
To hear our full conversation with Judge-elect Seth Crawford, visit our Podcast Page or click HERE.
