Local input on Klamath County D.A. selection

Klamath Falls, Ore. – Governor Kate Brown is getting some help in choosing a replacement for Klamath County District Attorney.

Rob Patridge announced he’s stepping down as Klamath County D.A. in early March.

Joe Spendolini is a member of the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee, and believes there should be some local input in choosing Patridge’s replacement.  “It would be nice if the community were involved in replacing Rob Patridge.”

Klamath County Commissioner Derrick DeGroot says Governor Brown agrees. “A committee has been put together consisting of law enforcement leaders, myself, some leaders from throughout the community – we will be getting together and vetting the applicants.”

The eight member committee will review applications from five candidates.

The County Commissioners will pass along their recommendation to the Governor.

“But in the end, she is the holder of the power.”  Notes Commissioner DeGroot.  “And she gets to decide who is selected.”

Joe Spendolini notes that the review process is not open to the general public.  “We’ve talked about treating this like any other H.R. (Human Resources) issue, so it will be very confidential.”

DeGroot points out the process may be a first for the state. “As far as we can tell, nowhere in the State of Oregon has this ever been done before.”

“And that surprises me,” added Spendolini.

Governor Brown says she will not make a decision until April 17th.

The committee in Klamath Falls hopes to make its selection early next month.

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