Morrow County Blog

07/23/2024

07/22/2024

Ballots are due TODAY before 8:00 pm
Boardman Ballot drop box is located behind Sinclair (across from Smiley's)

07/17/2024

07/03/2024

Cost proposals for Ambulance Services plan's. *Annual loss estimates each entity is requesting the County (YOU), reimburse (pay to them).

*BFRD numbers are "up to" (also known as: "not to exceed)

**MCHD numbers are actual dollar amount requested

BFRD MCHD
Northern 275,000. 1,053,316
Southern 600,000. 452,238
Northeast 500,000. 834,286
Total = 1,375,000. 2,339,840

For all three ASA areas combined, MCHD is $964,840 MORE than BFRD

Northern (Boardman area) MCHD is $778,316 MORE than BFRD.

Northeast (Irrigon area) MCHD is $334,286 MORE than BFRD

Southern (Heppner area) is the ONLY area MCHD came in less than BFRD, with a difference of $147,762.

What percentage of MCHD's recently passed levy (or the permanent tax) is MCHD committing toward ambulance service?

What percentage of MCHD IFT revenue is
MCHD committing towards ambulance services?

*INTERFACILITY TRANSFER:
An IFT is defined as any EMS ambulance transport from one healthcare facility to another facility.

06/16/2024

"The Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area Committee is tasked with developing long-term plans to reduce nitrate levels in the area. The committee includes local residents, businesses and government agencies.

There are many sources of nitrate contamination in the area. The primary estimated source of contamination (about 70%) is from irrigated farmland. Additional contributors are large dairy and cattle farms known as CAFOs (about 13%), animal pastures (about 8%), food processing facilities that reuse wastewater to irrigate fields (about 5%), and residential septic systems and other sources (about 5%). Additional information about sources of contamination and plans for reducing those sources are in the LUBGMWA Action Plan.

Estimated sources of nitrate contamination in the Lower Umatilla Basin, LUBGWMA Second Action Plan" https://www.oregon.gov/deq/wq/programs/Pages/nitratecontamination.aspx

06/14/2024

Every household in Morrow County should be receiving a copy of this publication. I apologize for those who are experiencing delayed delivery.

05/13/2024

Remember to turn in your ballots

05/10/2024

How important is Maintaining the Integrity of the Judicial System?

It turns out that this is the million-dollar question voters need to be asking Judge Collins.

Who is Judge Collins?

Judge Collins was the presiding Judge over a case between Morrow County Health District (Defendant) and Boardman Fire and Rescue District (Plaintiff) What is the issue with Judge Collins and this case? Judge Collins SISTER, is a PARTNER at the law firm who is representing MCHD.

Judge Collins accepted this case on JUNE 22, 2023. This case was to determine if MCHD had the authority to issue fines to BFRD, a Special District that does NOT fall under the control of MCHD.

Judge Collins has claimed that he did not “realize” that the firm representing MCHD was his SISTERS law firm until AFTER he issued his opinion. I find this impossible to believe. How did Judge Collins sit though both sides presenting their cases, without “realizing” Troy Bundy, with Hart Wagner, was the same Hart Wagner law firm his SISTER is a partner at?

If Judge Collins read the filings prior to issuing his opinion, HOW did he “not realize” as he is claiming, that the law firm involved was his sisters, until AFTER he issued his opinion? Or, did he NOT even bother to read any of the filings and evidence because his SISTER had already presented their firms case to him?

It is UNBELIEVABLE that Judge Collins accepted this case June 22,2023, and as he has “claimed”, was completely unaware that his SISTER was PARTNER of this law firm, until May 6, 2024. Or that his “realization” happened, AFTER, he had issued his opinion, in favor of his SISTERS law firms client.

The Oregon Code of Judicial Conduct is CLEAR in that it is crucial to Maintain the Integrity of the Judicial System and to ensure the IMPARTIAL and Diligent Performance of Judicial Duties.

Rule 3.10 Disqualification
(A) A judge shall disqualify himself or herself in any proceeding in which a reasonable person would question the judge's impartiality, including but not limited to the following circumstances:
(1) The judge has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party or a party's lawyer, or personal knowledge of facts that are in dispute in the proceeding.
(2) The judge knows that the judge, the judge's spouse or domestic partner, or a person within the THIRD DEGREE OF RELATIONSHIP to either of them, or the spouse or domestic partner of such a person is:
(a) a party to the proceeding, or an officer, director, general partner, managing member, or trustee of a party;

How did Hart Wagner Attorneys at Law, not KNOW that Judge Collins was the BROTHER of a PARTNER OF THEIR law firm? Law firms have an obligation to ensure that THEY do not have a conflict.

Did MCHD know they had an “ace in the hole”?

04/27/2024

Oregon State Ethic’s Complaint regarding Recalled Commissioner Jim Doherty
Per the BOC audio recordings, RECALLED commissioner Jim (aka James) Doherty repeatedly participated in and voted on Covid grant money, including money for himself, his family, and their respective businesses. From the onset, (August 2020) until the December 30th meeting, Jim Doherty did this without declaring a potential or an actual conflict of interest.
Additionally, Jim headed the CARES Grant Applications committee (State of Oregon Amended and Restated Grant Agreement No. 1025). Jim and his Committee oversaw establishing the Morrow County COVID-19 Emergency Business Grant Application, reviewing the applications, denying the applications, or recommending the approval of the applications.
Once Jim and his committee selected which application(s) met their committee’s requirements for approval, Jim would give the BOC his committee’s updates and his recommendation for those applications to be approved. They were then voted on by the BOC for actual approval and funding. Then Commissioner, Jim Doherty, emphasized that the identity of the applicants was not to be disclosed, even to the other BOC members. When the other Commissioners questioned this, Jim insisted that who the applicants are was “NOT” public information, until AFTER the applicant(s) received the funds. Meaning, only then Commissioner Jim Doherty KNEW the identity when the BOC voted. The other two Commissioners, Melissa Lindsay and Don Russell, were not privy to who the applicants were at the time of their votes.
Jim, his wife Kelly, and their son Bryce were all granted money from the committee/grant applications that Jim oversaw. Their respective businesses are O’Doherty Outfitters and O’Doherty Cattle Company.

The members of the Grant Application Committee were:
Jim Doherty (BOC)
Kate Knop
Gregg Zody

Jim Doherty violated Oregon State Ethics regulations.
Jim Doherty violated the contract (No. 1025) that he himself signed. (August 5, 2020).
Jim Doherty repeatedly failed to announce a potential or ACTUAL conflict of interest.
Jim Doherty attempted to fraudulently gain CARES funds in violation of contract No. 1025

Kelly Doherty admitted to applying for and receiving Covid grant money from both “Eastern Oregon Grant and Morrow County Grant” due to not being able to have their cattle sale mid-March. (Boardman Chamber of Commerce page, April 17, 2023, video title Boardman Chamber of Commerce Forum #1 Time Stamp 29:30 -30:35)
It should be noted that while Jim and Kelly Doherty, O’Doherty Cattle did not hold their in-person cattle sale, they proceeded with their online and telephone cattle sales.

The Oregon State Amended and Restated Grant Agreement (Grant No. 1025)
Pg 1, Section 2: PURPOSE
is VERY CLEAR that the grant is to be used for “expenditures [actually]incurred” and to “reimburse the costs”.
These funds were NOT for the grant applicant to avoid financial detriment or to cover loss of profits.

Pg 2, Section 6: GRANT FUNDS
Eligible projects cost incurred during the Performance Period.
Eligible cost incurred during not prior to the time period.

Section 7: Disbursement Generally
Pg 2, 7.3 No Duplicate Payment
Per (Jim Doherty’s wife) Kelly Doherty’s recorded statement, “we” (Kelly, Jim, O’Doherty Cattle Co) received grant money from Eastern Oregon Grant and Morrow County CARES grant.
(Boardman Chamber of Commerce page, April 17, 2023 video title Boardman Chamber of Commerce Forum #1 Time Stamp 29:30 -30:35)
Jim Doherty’s son, Bryce Doherty, O’Doherty Outfitters received multiple payments.
Dec 11, 2020 $2500 (Tillamook, Morrow County & Business)
Dec 15, 2020 $5628 (CARES Small Business)
Dec 30, 2020 $14,943 (CARES Small Business)
Total $22,621

Dec 30, 2020 Jim and Kelly Doherty, O’Doherty Cattle Company, was ultimately awarded a significantly reduced amount of $9,896 (CARES Small Business) ***Applied for significantly more, more information provided below

PPP Loans Forgiven
Jim (James) Doherty March 30,2021 $18,538 Amount forgiven $18,612 (Aug 27,2021)
Kelly Doherty March 30,2021 $20,833 Amount forgiven $20,916 (Aug 27,2021)
Bryce Doherty March 20,2021 $9,227 Amount forgiven $9,248 (June 15,2021)

Pg 3, Section 8: Representations and Warranties
8.3 False Claims Act (ORS 180.750 to 180.785) (1), (2)(a)(b)(c), (3) (a)(b)(d)
Jim Doherty approved his own exaggerated requested amount, then recommended to the BOC, without disclosure or declaring his ACTUAL conflict of interest, that (his) application be granted. *This can be verified by contacting former commissioner Don Russell, recalled commissioner Melissa Lindsay (who called for a special meeting due to Jim’s failure to disclose), former County Development Director Gregg Zody, former Finance Director Manager Kate Knop, former County Administrator Darrell Green.

Pg 9, Section 19 Miscellaneous
19.1 Conflict of Interest
Grantee by signature to this Grant declares and certifies the award of this Grand and the Projects activities to be funded by this Grand, create no potential or actual conflict of interest, as defined by ORS Chapter 244, for a director, officer or employee of Grantee.
(Jim Doherty signed this contract with the State of Oregon Aug 5, 2020)

Facts of this matter:
Jim Doherty repeatedly participated in, recommended approval of, and/or voted on his son’s grant applications. Jim did not acknowledge a potential or actual conflict of interest. At no time did Jim inform other BOC members that his son, son’s business was an applicant. (Bryce Doherty, O’Doherty Outfitters, had multiple applications which were approved)
When asked by Commissioner Russell if the applicants would be read for the record, prior to the BOC voting, Jim insisted that the applicants were not public information and would be kept confidential.

Jim was the ONLY Commissioner who knew the identity of the applicants at the time the BOC voted.

Jim Doherty repeatedly participated in, recommended approval of, and voted on his son’s prior grant applications. Jim did not acknowledge a potential or actual conflict of interest. At no time did Jim inform other BOC members that his son, son’s business, was an applicant. Instead, Jim insisted that applicants were not public information.

Deadline for applications to be submitted to Jim’s committee for the 2020 FINAL round of COVID-19 grant funds was December 15, 2020
Dec 16, 2020, BOC meeting
Per BOC audio, while speaking on his recommendations, Jim casually states that he “may have family members who may have applied”. Jim keeps talking as though it was a non-issue, explaining that he and Kate “have been working and working on which applications to recommend for approval”.
Jim, his wife Kelly (O’Doherty Cattle), along with their son Bryce (O’Doherty Outfitters) HAD already applied for said funds; Jim did NOT acknowledge this fact, nor did he declare an actual conflict of interest. Instead, Jim emphasized how hard he and Kate were working on the applications.
December 23,, 2020, BOC meeting
Jim recommends the applications be approved and checks sent immediately. AFTER Commissioners Lindsay and Russell voted, Commissioner Doherty said, “I’m going to sideline myself”. Commissioner Lindsay laughed and asked, “is that the same as abstaining?” Jim did not reply.

Dec 30, 2020, BOC Special Meeting
Commissioner Linday states that after the previous meeting she was concerned and decided to call a special meeting. Commissioners Linday and Russell rescinded their previous votes, (approving Jim Doherty’s grant funds).
Jim Doherty was essentially cornered and forced to announce that he himself had applied and that he had an ACTUAL conflict of interest. Per BOC audio, December 30th 2020, when Commissioner Jim Doherty eventually acknowledge that he himself had applied (weeks earlier), Jim made a joke about how it shouldn’t really count because his wife, Kelly Doherty takes all the money and spends it anyways.
Had there not been a special meeting called to question WHY Jim had “sidelined” himself (AFTER the other two Commissioners had already voted to approve the applicants per Jim’s recommendation) Jim Doherty would have never acknowledged that he and his wife had applied for the funds himself. *Their son had also applied

Recap
Jim signed State of Oregon Amended and Restated Grant Agreement No. 1025
Jim headed the committee for the grant applications.
Jim reported the committee’s progress and recommendations to the BOC.
Jim, his wife Kelly, and their son applied for and received grant money per Jim’s recommendations.

December 15th, 2020 application deadline
December 16th, 2020, BOC meeting, Jim Doherty, his wife Kelly Doherty, O’Doherty Cattle, had already submitted their own application to the COVID-19 committee led by Jim Doherty. Bryce Doherty, O’Doherty Outfitters, had applied. Jim did not declare a potential or ACTUAL conflict of interest.
December 23rd, 2020 meeting, Jim’s committee had approved their application to move forward. Jim recommended those applications be approved by the BOC. Jim did NOT acknowledge that he, or his family had applied, nor did Jim declare that he had a potential or ACTUAL CONFLICT of interest.
Per repeated BOC audio, Jim Doherty, participated in, and recommended grant application be approved. Including his son’s and his own (without declaring him or his son were applicants)

The written BOC minutes do NOT fully nor accurately reflect the audio. (Please Note* BOC Minutes are a brief description of meetings and are approved by the BOC)
The actual audio recordings for the BOC meetings must be used for a true and accurate accounting of the BOC meetings and events.
Example: Written minutes for Dec 23,2020, BOC meeting states that Jim Doherty declared a potential conflict and abstained from voting. The audio shows this is a manipulation of the facts. What that audio clearly shows is that Commissioner Jim Doherty gave an update and his recommendation that the applications his committee approved be approved by the BOC and that checks be written asap, then it went to vote. (At this time Jim still had not declared a conflict not that he would be abstaining from voting.)
*All information can be verified by listening to the BOC audio

04/24/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/oMSkUXm1ifHjo8kn/?mibextid=oFDknk

04/16/2024

Do we hold all elected officials to the same expectations and standards?

Many Morrow County residents are aware that there have been some questions over former Port of Morrow Commissioners, as well as unsubstantiated allegations against the current Morrow County Board of Commissioners.

Are residents equally aware of the questionable, potentially unethical, or possibly illegal actions of current Port Commissioner’s and previous County Board of Commissioner’s?

The same group who has been the most vocal over these allegations, have been largely silent, even defending the actions, or lack of action, of current Port Commissioner’s Murray and Doherty, as well as the missteps, wrong doings, failures, unethical, and potentially illegal actions of RECALLED County Board of Commissioners Jim Doherty and Melissa Lindsay

We must ask ourselves, WHY? What is their ulterior motive? What is their agenda?

Why is this group not spoken up regarding Port Commissioner and recently resigned MCHD Board Member John Murray’s personal and private contracts he has with MCHD? Why does this group stay silent on Murray lying to Oregon State Ethic’s commission? Why has this group never questioned the tax dollars that Murray has received from MCHD during his time on the MCHD board? How much has MCHD paid John Murray?

Are Morrow County residents and voters okay with the silence over Port Commissioner Kelly Doherty’s failure to disclose that she received a cash contribution from Michael Bliven, the same attorney who has since filed a lawsuit against the Port?

At the time of Bliven’s donation to Doherty’s Port campaign, Bliven was clearly listed as an out of state attorney. Why would an out of state attorney be donating to Doherty’s Port campaign? Did Doherty have ANY knowledge of an impending lawsuit when she accepted Bliven’s cash donation? Did Bliven’s cash donation to Doherty’s campaign have anything to do with Bliven filing the lawsuit against the Port of Morrow, Lamb Weston, Madison Ranches, Beef Northwest, and JOHN DOES 1-10. Who are “John Does 1-10”?

Why has Doherty remained silent, failing to disclose her potential or actual conflict of interest to other Port Commissioner’s and Morrow County voter’s? Has Doherty violated her duty to the Port, to Morrow County Voter’s?

Send a message to learn more

02/05/2024

This letter from OHA, dated February 1, 2021, clearly states that OHA had not approved an ASA for Morrow County since 1993.

02/02/2024

The FACTS of this (ASA) matter are:

●The April 2021 ASA was NEVER valid.

●April 2021, BOC approved an ASA plan. At the same time BOC voted that MCHD was to bring the ASA back for a YEARLY REVIEW (MCHD did NOT do this)

●OHA did NOT approve that April 2021 ASA plan.

●OHA approved a REVISED ASA plan March 2022.

●The REVISED ASA plan was NOT approve nor adopted by the (former) BOC

●Mr. Green contacted Justin Nelson about the REVISED ASA plan NOT being signed by the BOC.

●Justin Nelson then emailed OHA to ask IF it was necessary for the BOC to sign the REVISED ASA plan.

●OHA responded that YES, it WAS necessary for BOTH the BOC and OHA to approve the plan that was being USED

●NEITHER the (previous) BOC nor MCHD took steps to remedy the FACT that the BOC had NOT approved nor adopted the REVISED ASA

●When it was brought to light that the REVISED ASA plan being USED, had NOT been approved nor adopted, Justin Nelson was ASKED by the (current) BOC, how or IF that effected the (REVISED) plan in use.

●Justin Nelson said, "that is not in my wheelhouse". It was suggested to seek outside counsel with expertise with OHA and ASA's.

●BOC voted to approve this recommendation.

●Outside counsel determined that because the REVISED ASA was NEVER approved nor adopted by the previous BOC, that it was INVALID

●State law dictates why it has reverted to the '98 Ordinance

●The (current) BOC and County Administrator are working diligently to bring Morrow County into full compliance with the state.

02/02/2024

It is always important to use CURRENT and CORRECT information.

MCHD employee is sharing INVALID information.

2024 CURRENT and CORRECT link is attached.

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PROVIDERPARTNERRESOURCES/EMSTRAUMASYSTEMS/Documents/OHA_EMS_TS_Program_Update.pdf

02/01/2024

https://www.co.morrow.or.us/administration/page/county-response-mchd-ambulance-contract?fbclid=IwAR1CSTHj_JNxF8Zyv2Ijgj5YxObZ2uokzQDrHmRc6PyRFVo40ocu-hazG7Y

Morrow County Health District (MCHD) submitted a contract on January 30, 2024, to continue ambulance service for the County past their 90-day notice to terminate service on March 12, 2024. The contract received is a long-term contract that was self-serving, unlawful, could not be terminated for 5 ye...

01/26/2024

OHA's response to Justin Nelson, dated April 28, 2022, clearly explains that any ASA used must be approved by both OHA and the Board of Commissioners. The ASA was NOT taken back to the BOC for signatures and adoption.

01/26/2024

Justin Nelson emailed Kimberly Voelker with OHA on April 26, 2022 stating that the ASA was NOT signed by the BOC.

01/23/2024

This letter from OHA, dated February 1, 2021, clearly states that OHA had not approved an ASA plan for Morrow County since 1993.

For clarification, what this means is that, not one time, from 1993- Current, has Morrow County had a valid ASA plan.

Morrow County Board of Commissioners and County Administrator, Matt Jensen, have been working diligently to ensure that Morrow County updates the county ASA plan to become in full compliance with all Oregon State rules, laws, and regulations.

01/23/2024

For anyone with questions or concerns regarding what the county is or is not doing, the information is all available on the county website.
https://www.co.morrow.or.us/administration/page/county-proceeds-oha-review-proposed-draft-asa-plan

County Proceeds with OHA Review of Proposed Draft of ASA Plan
Morrow County Proceeds with Submission of Draft ASA Plan to OHA.

The County is proceeding with its draft ASA Plan with submission to OHA on January 16, 2024. This draft has been reviewed by several interested parties and feedback included as appropriate. The new ASA Plan reasserts that the County's Board of Commissioners has the authority to administer the Plan and appoint an ASA Advisory Committee to oversee ambulance services within the County. The files attached below are

Morrow County Health District has provided ambulance services for the County for over 30 years. The new plan does make changes in the governing structure but does not preclude the Health District from continuing as a valuable service provider. In order to establish providers, the Plan must first be reviewed by OHA, public hearings will then be heard, then final certification by the Board of Commissioners and finally, acceptance by OHA. The County is committed to continued quality and effective ambulance services for all of its residents and visitors. This Plan will help with this commitment.

We invite you to review the documents. For any questions, please contact Matthew Jensen, County Administrator, at (541) 676-2529 or at [email protected].

The County is proceeding with its draft ASA Plan with submission to OHA on January 16, 2024. This draft has been reviewed by several interested parties and feedback included as appropriate. The new ASA Plan reasserts that the County's Board of Commissioners has the authority to administer the Plan a...

01/09/2024

🚨 Friday Jan 5th, 2024 Oregon State Government Ethics Commission voted 9-0 to investigate Recalled Morrow County Commissioner Jim Doherty for multiple ACTUAL ethics violations.

01/06/2024

10/28/2023

Why am I voting NO on MCHD levy 25-97

My instinct had always been to vote yes on public service levies. What changed my mind?

I was blissfully unaware of most county public or political happenings. I was under the false assumption that everyone holding these positions would be honest, make decisions in the MAJORITY’s best interests, follow every law & regulation AND uphold their fiduciary duty to US, the taxpayers they work for.
I was WRONG.

I initially became curious when MCHD started “love bombing us” with their tales of the big bad evil new fire chief and his dastardly deeds. Down the rabbit hole I went. I wanted to rally behind MCHD and stop the horror’s MCHD was accusing BFRD and Chief Hughes of committing.

I began reading every document I could; minutes, emails, letters, OHA documents, ORS’s, the 1998 Ordinance that MCHD continuously referenced. I started attending every meeting I could.

I discovered MCHD is either incompetent or deceptively manipulative, or both.

MCHD has continuously wasted OUR money pushing their misleading propaganda to sway public opinion, instill fear, create hate & discontent, cause division between friends, neighbors, and communities.

I believe we ALL want the same thing. Transparency, accountability, elimination of unnecessary wasteful spending, for those elected to be HONEST, follow rules, laws, and regulations, to NOT FALSELY accuse other EMS agencies of wrong doings, AND to not user our money to sue our money, ESPECIALLY while asking us for more of our hard-earned money.

Due to Measures 5 and 50, compression tax, and the City of Heppner raising their city tax to more than double any other city in Morrow County, MANY Heppner taxpayers will pay little to nothing towards this MCHD levy.

MCHD 23-24 proposed budget is $26,357,830.00, over 61% will go to Heppner. Roughly 11% will go to each Irrigon and Boardman, with even less going to Lexington and Ione.

According to the ballot, this levy will cost taxpayers $1,415,810.00 yearly. MCHD Proposed 23-24 Budget states “forecasted property tax revenue of $3,578,486 is a 16% increase over the prior year due to increased property values in residential, commercial, and industrial development.” [MCHD June 13,2023] Even without this levy, YOU will still pay MCHD $2,162,676.00 per year in taxes.
Is MCHD so inept that they cannot continue to operate with a $24,942,020.00 yearly budget?

Are you tired of wasteful spending and lack of transparency? Make your voice heard at the ballot box.

My vote is NO on MCHD levy 25-97

10/09/2023

After viewing the video, the County Administrator clarified that the MCHD ambulance did NOT stop at the stop sign. MCHD ambulance cut off a fire truck that was headed to a fire.

10/07/2023

The Port of Morrow Board of Commissioners held a meeting yesterday to interview their selected candidates to fill the Boards vacancy.

Prior to interviewing the candidates, while discussing which questions to ask, Port Commissioner Murray didn’t like the wording of a question and wanted to deviate from the question legal counsel had vetted. Port Commissioners Stokoe responded that he would not go against their attorney’s advice.

Murray seems to have an issue with a specific candidate, even before the interviews had started. After hearing Murray’s own words, it becomes apparent that his “concern” is personal.

After interviewing the candidates, Port Commissioners were able to narrow it down to two final candidates. The votes were split equally.

Each Port Commissioners was asked if further discussion would sway their vote, each answering no.
Oregon State Law regarding the legal requirement if they couldn’t come to a majority vote was discussed.

Port Commissioner Murray was adamant that he would REFUSE to vote to adjourn the meeting until they came to an agreement, while also heatedly stating that he would NOT change his vote. He seems to know, or at least believe, that Port Commissioner Doherty will never vote against him. This appeared to be a bully tactic to get his way.

Port Commissioner Murray was unwilling to consider any candidate other than the one he had already chosen, even shutting down Port Commissioner Stokoe’s question of if the Port Commissioners cannot agree to one of the currant candidates, should they consider a new name.

Port Commissioner Kelly Doherty seems to be confused and wanted to know if legal counsel’s advice was legal advice or not. This appeared to be primarily due to wanting to ask the candidates specific types of questions.

Port Commissioner Kelly Doherty claims she doesn't believe that they are on a time restraint to find a candidate. Port Commissioner Stokoe disagrees; he believes it is their responsibility to be operating with a full Board of Commissioners. Murray attempted to disagree with Stokoe. Port Commissioner Stokoe points out that if they had a full five (5) member board they wouldn’t be in the situation they currently were [Votes equally split].

Port Commissioner Murray came across as hostile and aggressive, refusing to budge or be open to anything or anyone other than the candidate he had made the motion to accept.

Port Commissioner Murray eventually made a motion to continue the meeting to next Wednesday. Port Commissioner Doherty added she would like to ask more questions of the candidates.

Port Commissioner Stokoe asked, if they vote to come back for further discussion and could still not come to an agreement, will all Port Commissioner commit to following Oregon State Law? Port Commissioner Murray was clear, he was not on board with that.

It begs the question, “Are you okay with someone you elected thinking they can ignore Oregon State Law?”

10/04/2023

Welcome to the Morrow County Blog. This page was created to help keep the public informed on local and surrounding areas news & events.