I am writing today to make it clear to the public where I stand in the matter of the County Court’s recent order 2023-01 transferring probate cases to Circuit Court permanently. I am going to recommend to the County Court to remove transfer of probated cases from the order through an amendment of the order. While I firmly believe the order is sound based on legal counsel, I do not believe it is in the best interest of Gilliam County to spend valuable tax dollars to prove its constitutionality. I also believe we should engage in a more public process while making this decision.
In regards to a Legislative Fix that is currently in progress during the 2024 Legislative Short Session, I support and have always supported and advocated for anything that gives more control to local governments and less to the State. I have not however participated in any discussions with any legislatures regarding HB 1576 or the -4 amendment until last Tuesday when I asked Representative Owens during Eastern Oregon Caucus call what the status was. I have spent many hours and days in Salem working in steering committees on many issues and other legislation that are important to Gilliam County and Eastern Oregon.
I strongly support an effective public conversation to discuss any changes to the structure of local government culminating in a public vote. I believe that the ORS Statutes that have been discussed lately do not allow 6 Oregon counties the same fairness the other 30 counties have to participate in that discussion. My belief that the statutes do not align with the Oregon Constitution simply means a Legislative Fix is a much easier path to such discussions when community members in these 6 counties want to do so.
I have really enjoyed serving as a Commissioner in Gilliam County for the last 3 years and have been looking forward to serving for four more, with my focus being on the continued momentum of current projects and pursuing the potential opportunities that exist today. This election cycle, the campaign tactics, and the divisiveness that is affecting our friends, family, community and Gilliam County staff has not been enjoyable. Shame on all of us for allowing this to happen.
It has occurred to me during this current state of community that we may very well be looking at a fourth consecutive one term County Judge for our County. That is not a good environment for may reasons and is why I have begun discussions about a possible change of local government structure. I am planning on reaching out to the community to engage in many small group discussions about our future, your expectations and to listen to opinions and discuss ideas on a healthy path forward for all of us. It would be great if we could get together in your homes and start the healing.
—Pat Shannon, Gilliam County Commissioner
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