Residents press commissioners to appoint Mark Scholl to vacant seat; board says open application process applies

Hundreds of residents in person and online urged the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners on April 3 to appoint Mark Scholl to the vacant commissioner seat, citing his vote totals in the 2024 election and his prior service. Commissioners answered that they are conducting an open application process and that the statutory deadline cited by speakers applies to partisan offices, not this nonpartisan board.

Multiple public speakers argued that Mark Scholl had strong voter support and should be appointed. Rick Riley, chair of the Clackamas County Republican Party, urged the board to appoint Scholl and cited a statutory deadline he said would expire within days. Several speakers repeated a figure they described as “88,000 votes” cast for Scholl and said failing to appoint him would disenfranchise voters.

Legal and procedural clarification

Assistant County Counsel Jeff Munn and the board addressed the statutory question raised by speakers. Counsel said the state statute cited by speakers (referred to during public comment) governs partisan offices; the county’s vacancy process for this nonpartisan Board of County Commissioners requires the board to follow its open application process.

Chair Roberts and other commissioners said they are receiving applications and will consider former officeholders as well as other applicants. Roberts said, “We are going through an open application process. Mark Scholl is welcome to apply like many others have.” Commissioner Martha Schrader said there were about 15 or 16 applications submitted at that point, and emphasized the board must follow the established process.

Why it mattered to speakers

Speakers repeatedly tied their arguments to the 2024 election fallout and allegations about the vacated seat’s winner, Melissa Fireside. Some speakers referenced news reports and the fact that the seat is vacant after charges against Fireside; others framed the matter as honoring “the will of the people.” Supporters said Scholl’s prior experience and attention to county operations made him the preferred candidate.

How commissioners responded

Commissioners acknowledged public passion and urged civility at the meeting. Several commissioners said they had worked with Scholl previously and praised his service; none committed to a specific appointment on April 3. Commissioner Ben West asked counsel to confirm whether a 30‑day deadline cited by speakers applied; counsel said it did not for this nonpartisan office. The chair said the board will review applications, and reminded the public that the appointed seat will be on the ballot at the next election (the position is two years remaining in the term).

What was not decided

No appointment was made at the April 3 meeting. The board indicated it will continue the advertised application review process and consider all applicants.