The empty seat on the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) attracted 78
candidates for the open position – a spot made available following the Nov. 8,
2016 election when then-Chair John Ludlow was defeated.

Recruitment closed Jan. 3, and the four members of the BCC went to work
immediately to narrow the field to eight candidates, announced Jan. 18.

“The quality of the candidate pool was very impressive, and we truly thank all
those who showed an interest in this important position,” newly elected BCC
Chair Jim Bernard said. “I, like my fellow commissioners, look forward to
these interviews and making a selection in the best interest of our residents
as soon as possible.”

The interviews took place Jan. 25, with each candidate being provided two
questions in advance – one related to the most significant challenge facing the
county, and another concerning how candidates would represent county
residents outside of their immediate communities.

That last question will be important to the Mountain community. Presently,
there are no board members residing in any rural community, and that
includes the eight candidates vying for the open seat.

The final decision will be made Feb. 1, according to Tim Heider, County Public
Affairs Manager.

Those nominated candidates are:

Eleanore Hunter, Oak Grove, manager with Hunter Financial, Inc. and co-
manager of USA Financial, and currently serves on the Oak Grove Community
Council.

Scott Bruun, West Linn, Chief Operating Officer of Hubbell Communication and
a former member of the Oregon House of Representatives.

Jody Carson, West Linn, manager with HealthInsight Oregon, and former
member of the West Linn City Council.

Sonya Fischer, Lake Oswego, attorney with Fischer Family Law, and former
Legislative Director for the Oregon Department of Human Services.
Charles Gallia, Oregon City, senior policy advisor with the Oregon Health
Authority.

Jon Gustafson, Lake Oswego, co-owner of Beals Design Build, a real estate
broker, and former member of the Lake Oswego City Council.

Carol Pauli, Oregon City, owner/operator of Midway Historic Public House, and
a former member of the Oregon City City Council.

Jenni Tan, West Linn, officer with Children First For Oregon, and former
member of the West Linn City Council.