Clatsop County to interview fair board candidates May 28, commissioners emphasize consistent selection process

Kyle Sharpstein, Fairgrounds manager, informed the board the fair board has a vacancy after Matt Billingham stepped down and staff received six applications; one applicant, Scott Lindell, later withdrew.

Sharpstein said the county planned to appoint a new member before budget season if possible but acknowledged the next in-person meeting that allows interviews is May 28. He described contacting applicants to explain the process and recommended keeping the same interview procedure the county uses for other advisory bodies.

Why it matters: Fair board membership affects fair operations and local event planning. Commissioners said they wanted to preserve a transparent, consistent interview process so new appointees have equal opportunity to explain their qualifications.

Commissioner Banks said she supported following the established interview process used for the fair board and planning commission; another commissioner agreed that interviews on May 28 were appropriate. Sharpstein said there are “some great candidates” and staff will prepare for interviews.

What happens next: Staff will schedule interviews for May 28 and return with appointment language at a future meeting. Commissioners emphasized the value of a consistent, public interview process rather than making an immediate appointment without interviews.

Ending: No candidate was appointed at the meeting; staff and commissioners set a timeline for interviews to fill the vacancy before peak fair planning weeks.