Residents, advocates urge open recruitment, public interviews for Lane County sheriff appointment

Dozens of residents and community advocates told the Lane County Board of Commissioners on May 6 in Harris Hall that the county should conduct an open recruitment and public interviews to fill the vacancy left by Sheriff Cliff Harold’s resignation, and that finalists should be asked to commit to upholding the Oregon Sanctuary Promise Act and policies protecting transgender people.

Supporters said an open process would improve transparency and public safety. "Please conduct an open recruitment for this position, including public interviews of the finalists," Cassandra Myron told the board during public comment. "All candidates for this position must be asked if they will commit to upholding the sanctuary promise act and if they will commit to updating and creating policies protecting the rights of the transgender and immigrant communities."

The calls for an open…