Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Forestry Appointments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board reappoints commissioner to forest-trust council despite colleague’s conflict concerns
Summary
The board appointed Commissioner Banks to a one-year term on the Council of Forest Trust Lands after Commissioner Webb raised concerns about Banks’ conduct at AOC meetings and a possible conflict of interest; other commissioners defended Banks and the motion passed with ayes and nays recorded.
Clatsop County commissioners appointed Commissioner Banks to a one-year term on the Council of Forest Trust Lands despite objections from one colleague who raised concerns about behavior and a potential conflict of interest.
Staff explained the council’s statutory role to advise the State Board of Forestry and that Clatsop County’s bylaws call for the county commission to elect a representative. "By statute, the council advises the State Board of Forestry appointments are to be made by December 31," staff said.
Commissioner Webb said she had been approached by Association of Oregon Counties staff and other commissioners who were upset by Commissioner Banks’ conduct at recent meetings and said she had concerns about whether it presented a legal conflict of interest because Banks is married to an Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) employee. "I have always questioned whether or not... if not a legal conflict of interest. I think it looks very bad for a commissioner who is married to an ODF employee to represent the interest of the County," Webb said.
Other commissioners pushed back. One commissioner said Banks provides regular reports and is a strong advocate; another said they supported Banks’ performance and moved to reappoint her. "I support Commissioner Banks," a commissioner said during the discussion.
The board moved and seconded the motion to appoint Banks to the one-year term. A voice vote recorded ayes and a nay; the board proceeded to the next agenda item after the vote.
