County Commissioners to discuss “Potential Sheriff Transition” following van der Kamp resignation
Isabella Warren
(Update: Adding video, comments from county commissioners)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Deschutes County Commissioners will now decide Deschutes County’s interim Sheriff.
Commissioner Patti Adair said at Wednesday’s board meeting, “We do want to select the person that we feel will help with that seamless transition and bring back the transparency and respect that the department should be recognized with. “
By 5 p.m. Thursday, his resignation will be set, giving commissioners just over a month to find his replacement. If a replacement is not decided on by July 31st, Undersheriff Aaron Wells will fill the spot.
Phil Chang said, “They’ve been living under a cloud of uncertainty. Not knowing. Not knowing who their leader is going to be. Not feeling trust for the person who is currently their sheriff. “
Controversy has surrounded current Sheriff Kent van der Kamp since his election, after Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels placed him on the county’s Brady list, meaning he is barred from giving testimony in future cases as an expert witness because of issues regarding his truthfulness.
A formal recall effort is now underway in Deschutes County calling for Sheriff van der Kamp to step down. KTVZ News obtained an email sent to county officials Tuesday, where van der Kamp announced his official resignation date to be July 31st. Previously, he shared his retirement would occur in the “coming months”.
County clerk Steve Dennison told KTVZ News van der Kamp is eligible for recall on July 7th, where supporters will need to provide over 16,000 signatures.
But Dennison says the process would pass van der Kamp’s July 31st last day, meaning, despite a recall election, he would still be removed from office.
The sheriff’s employee union will hold a public candidate forum on July 7th. Those candidates are required to share statements with commissioners by July 11th to be considered.
“Immediately following the November election, there was a morale surge, a surge in recruitment, retention surged. There was a lot of really positive feeling, both inside the sheriff’s office and outside. I am hoping that this appointment will help to put us back on track,” said Chang.
The picked sheriff would be in office for just over a year until November of 20-26 when voters will decide who fills the position.