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Clackamas County appoints James Rhodes as interim sheriff; board splits on process
Summary
With Sheriff Brandenburg's abrupt resignation, the board voted 4-1 to appoint James Rhodes as interim sheriff to provide immediate leadership; several commissioners argued for a competitive appointment process instead of a direct appointment.
Clackamas County commissioners voted to appoint James Rhodes as interim sheriff after an extended discussion about the need for leadership, transparency, and fairness in any interim appointment.
County counsel Billy Williams read Oregon statutory authority for filling a vacancy in an elected county office (ORS 236.210 and ORS 206.015), explaining that the under-sheriff serves as acting sheriff until the board appoints someone or an election fills the vacancy. The board debated whether to run a formal application and interview process or to appoint directly to ensure immediate stability in the sheriff's office. Commissioner West moved to appoint James Rhodes; the motion was seconded for purposes of discussion and later restated on the dais. Rhodes was described by supporters as a longtime public servant with extensive law enforcement and county experience.
Opponents of an immediate appointment cautioned that appointing a candidate who plans to run could confer an incumbency advantage in the upcoming election and favored a short, public selection process. The motion passed 4-1; the chair registered the sole dissent. The record contains two different effective dates mentioned during the motion (08/03/2026 in the initial motion text and 08/23/2026 when restated by the clerk), which the board did not reconcile on the record; that inconsistency should be resolved in the official minutes.
