Skip to content

Commissioner Vacancy

Landers: Restoring Representation & Preserving Election Neutrality

For nearly six months, Lincoln County has operated with a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners following the passing of Commissioner Claire Hall in January 2026.

While two commissioners can legally conduct county business, the public deserves full representation and a fully functioning three-member Board. The purpose of filling a vacancy is not simply to occupy an empty seat. The purpose is to restore representation, strengthen governance, and ensure the county has the capacity necessary to address the issues facing our communities.

At the June 17 Board of Commissioners meeting, I will once again advocate for the appointment of Commissioner-elect Curtis Landers to fill the Position 2 vacancy through the end of the year.

How We Got Here

Since January, I have consistently advocated for a transparent and publicly understood appointment process. Review Miller’s attempts to create a framework early on.

On January 7, I submitted a memorandum requesting a public work session and staff report to review the commissioner appointment process before candidate selection began. I requested discussion of eligibility criteria, interview procedures, public participation opportunities, evaluation methods, timeline development, and workflow responsibilities.

Later in January, I submitted a proposed framework that included:

  • Public review of the appointment process
  • Development of interview questions in public meetings
  • Community feedback opportunities
  • Public deliberation regarding finalists
  • Public interviews
  • Formal appointment deliberations
  • Commissioner onboarding discussions

My goal was simple: establish the process publicly before selecting a candidate.

Unfortunately, many of these process discussions never occurred in the manner I had hoped. The vacancy remained unresolved through the spring.

As the process continued, I publicly stated that if the vacancy remained unresolved after the May Primary Election, I would consider the election results as part of my appointment decision.

That is where we find ourselves today.

Changed Circumstances

The circumstances today are different than they were in February, March, or April.

We now know who the Commissioner-elect is.

Curtis Landers won Position 3 outright and will take office in January 2027. Position 3 will not appear on the November ballot.

At the same time, Position 2 remains an active election between Cristen Don and Joe Steere.

I do not believe the Board should provide either November candidate with the advantages that can accompany incumbency before voters make their final decision. Appointing either candidate would place the Board in the position of influencing an ongoing election.

Commissioner-elect Landers allows us to restore full representation while avoiding that concern.

Why Landers

Landers is uniquely positioned to contribute immediately.

During 37 years of service to Lincoln County, he served as Patrol Deputy, Administrative Lieutenant, Emergency Management leader, and ultimately Lincoln County Sheriff.

Few individuals possess such extensive experience as both a county employee and elected official. He understands county government from multiple perspectives and has firsthand experience managing personnel, budgets, emergency preparedness, public safety operations, and intergovernmental relationships.

Because of his experience, Landers requires very little onboarding and can begin contributing immediately. Rather than spending months learning county operations, he is prepared to address county issues from day one.

Those issues are substantial.

Lincoln County continues to face important work involving housing, budgeting, workforce development, organizational management, economic development, public safety, natural resources, health care, and long-term strategic planning. These are not future challenges. They are current responsibilities that deserve the attention of a full Board.

What I Am Hearing From The Community

Following recent media coverage, many residents have expressed a concern that resonates with me:

The public deserves a full three-member Board, but the Board should avoid giving either November candidate the advantage of incumbency.

Whether residents support or oppose my recommendation, many recognize that the vacancy should be resolved in a manner that restores representation while preserving public confidence in the ongoing election.

READ (6.4.25) – Lincoln Chronicle – Two Lincoln County commissioners again stalemate over how or who to appoint to fill vacancy

I believe appointing Commissioner-elect Landers accomplishes both objectives.

Looking Forward

This appointment is about more than one individual. It is about restoring full representation. It is about ensuring county government has the capacity to address important community priorities. It is about maintaining neutrality in an active election.

And it is about moving Lincoln County forward after nearly six months of operating with a vacant seat.

I also continue to believe Lincoln County should work toward restoring full-service meetings, meaningful public participation, in-person meeting opportunities, and broad public access to local government. Public trust is strengthened when government remains accessible, transparent, and responsive to the people it serves

After reviewing the election results, the remaining term, the need for full representation, and the importance of election neutrality, I believe appointing Commissioner-elect Curtis Landers is the most practical, fair, and effective path forward for Lincoln County.

The county has work to do. Six months is long enough. It is time to restore full representation..

* Details regarding county commissioner meetings, agendas, videos and minutes can be found online. At the County’s – Agenda and Minutes Portal:
https://lincolncoor.portal.civicclerk.com/

* Miller is trying to resolve the current uncertainty about how to provide agenda topic only – virtual public comment. In absence of clear online details – Miller encourages the community to provide written public comments in absence of these links on the county’s website.
https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/559/Attending-a-Meeting

Update – 2.17.26 Commissioner Vacancy

Oregon Coast Breaking News has a summary that I believe captures the current situation. Please Read: Proposals on Vacancy, Agenda Policy Stall at Lincoln County Commission Meeting

Combined analysis of Direct Emails + Social Media Input

I asked you to provide your feedback and you did! Thank you! Here is a summary of your engagement as received by me. I cannot verify what county staff or my fellow commissioner have received from the community, (the candidates), or otherwise. I have asked that we all share and be transparent about total communications. Thus far, I believe I am the only one sharing information publicly.

Total feedback to date: ≈ 67 individuals:
• Direct email (official channels): ≈ 22
• Social media: ≈ 45 (duplicates removed)

Themes:
transparency • fairness • collaboration • forward movement:
Integrity
Professional competence
Temperament
Ability to collaborate
Knowledge of county systems
Community connection
Community is prioritizing:
functionality + stability + professionalism

Update – 2.12.26 BOC Special Meeting

Today the Board of Commissioners met in a special session to identify the final candidates who will move forward to interviews for the Commissioner vacancy.

Thank you to everyone who has shown patience throughout this process — and especially to the candidates who stepped forward to serve our community. Your willingness to engage in public service is deeply appreciated.

I also want to thank the many community members who have provided thoughtful feedback. Your voice matters in this appointment process.

The next meeting date is TBD (as of 2.12.26). Once it is scheduled, I will share that information publicly.

In the meantime, please take a look at the finalists and let us know your thoughts. This is an important decision for Lincoln County, and community input continues to be welcome.

Thank you for staying engaged.

— Commissioner Casey Miller

Update on Commissioner Vacancy – 2.9.26

All Media & Community –

Thanks for reaching out!

I want to be clear about my role in the commissioner vacancy process. I am actively reviewing all submitted applications, and no decisions or rankings have been made.

I will not participate in any process that involves commissioners submitting private rankings to staff or having selections compared behind the scenes. Oregon law requires deliberation toward a decision to occur in public, and I have consistently requested that Commissioner Chuck and I discuss our selections openly in a noticed public meeting.

My public record reflects multiple requests to schedule public meetings so the community can see how this decision is made. Since 2.4.26, no such meeting has yet been scheduled, but I remain hopeful that a lawful and transparent process will happen moving forward.

Any future discussion about candidate selection will occur publicly. I am evaluating applicants based on the statutory duties of a county commissioner, including budgeting, land use, personnel oversight, public meetings, and the ability to deliberate openly – among many other criteria.

I’m happy to talk through the process and answer questions. Please let me know if you have further questions.  

— Casey Miller
County Commissioner
2.9.26

Commissioner Vacancy 2026!

I’m genuinely excited about the new energy, ideas, and potential vision emerging around the filling the vacant County Commission seat!

Filling the commissioner vacancy is a community decision—one your current commissioners make on your behalf.

This is your county. Your voice matters.

When we listen carefully and gather community input, we can represent our decisions as a thoughtful, integrated whole. That takes intention—but it is possible.

I believe we can do this together!

Share your input:

📧 clmiller@co.lincoln.or.us
📧 wchuck@co.lincoln.or.us

Notice & Scheduling of BOC Meeting – 2.11.26

I am committed to conducting county business in a way that is transparent, orderly, and worthy of the public’s trust.

I have instructed staff to schedule a Board of Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, February 11 to define the application process for filling the current commissioner vacancy. Establishing a clear, publicly adopted framework will help ensure the process is fair to applicants and understandable to our community.

At that meeting, I will suggest that Commissioner Walter Chuck and I each publicly identify our top ten candidates, followed by an open discussion to agree on the timeline and selection process. Taking these steps in public allows residents to see how decisions are made and ensures accountability at every stage.

Public confidence grows when government decisions are made in the open, guided by clear rules rather than informal processes. I believe this approach best serves Lincoln County and the people who call it home.

Date: February 5th, 2026

To:
Commissioner Chuck
County Counsel Yuille
MTEAM
BOC Administrative Staff (Agenda, Meeting Logistics, Preparation)

From: Commissioner Casey Miller, Co-Chair
Lincoln County Board of Commissioners

Re: Notice and Scheduling of Special Board of Commissioners Meeting on February 11th

Pursuant to my role as Tenured Co-Chair of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, and consistent with Oregon Public Meetings Law (ORS 192), I am requesting that staff notice and schedule a special public meeting of the Board to address time-sensitive governance and public safety matters.

Proposed Meeting Details

  • Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: Board of Commissioners Meeting Room #108, Newport, Oregon
  • Format: Hybrid (in-person and virtual)
  • This meeting was previously requested

Purpose / Overview

This special meeting is requested to allow public discussion of time-sensitive governance matters.

If a Board member has a scheduling conflict with the proposed date or time, staff may coordinate a reasonable adjustment within the same business day, provided notice requirements under ORS 192 are met and no undue delay occurs.

Proposed Agenda (Principal Subjects)

  1. Commissioner Vacancy Appointment Process (Discussion/Possible Action)
    Discussion of the ongoing topics, process and timeline for filling the current Board vacancy.
  2. District Attorney Staffing Levels (Decision/Action)
    Discussion of current staffing levels in the District Attorney’s Office. DA Wallace, HR, Finance and others.
  3. Executive Session — ORS 192.660(2)(h)(i)
    • To review and evaluate the employment-related performance of a public officer, employee, or staff member who has not requested an open hearing.
    • To consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current or likely litigation.

Logistics and Scheduling

If there are logistical or statutory considerations affecting the proposed meeting date, time, or format, please advise promptly so they may be addressed without delay.

If any Board member is unavailable to attend in person, the meeting may proceed in hybrid format from the Board meeting room.

Thank you for your assistance in facilitating this meeting.

Commissioner Casey Miller
Co-Chair, Lincoln County Board of Commissioners

Q&A – Vacancy Process – 2.5.26

MEDIA STATEMENT – Commissioner Casey Miller
February 5, 2026

There has been some confusion about what Oregon law requires when a vacancy occurs on the County Commission.

On January 14, County Counsel referenced ORS 236.210(2) – Filling vacancies in county offices when discussing the vacancy. At the February 4 meeting, a separate statement was made that the vacancy must be filled within 30 days “by statute,” without identifying a specific statutory provision.

ORS 236.210 does not contain a 30-day deadline for completing an appointment. No subsection of that statute sets a specific timeframe.

I support filling the vacancy in a timely way. At the same time, it’s important that deadlines presented to the public are grounded in the text of the law and that the Board establishes a transparent, fair process in public.

My focus remains on good governance, public trust, and following the law as written.

Commissioner Vacancy Process – Applicant, Media & Community Q&A – 2.5.26

Is there a 30-day legal deadline requiring the Board to immediately appoint a commissioner?

No. ORS 236.210 does not contain a 30-day deadline for completing an appointment, and no subsection of that statute sets a specific timeframe by which the Board must make an appointment.

ORS 236.210 addresses when a vacancy occurs and the authority to fill a vacancy, but it does not mandate that the appointment be completed within 30 days. Oregon law does not require the Board to rush the process at the expense of transparency, public participation, or compliance with public meetings law.

Does the absence of a deadline allow the Board to proceed thoughtfully and transparently?

Yes. In the absence of a statutory deadline, the Board retains discretion to structure a lawful, transparent, and inclusive process that includes public notice, scheduled meetings, open deliberation, and opportunities for community input.

Urgency does not override Oregon’s Public Meetings Law or Public Records Law. Deliberation must still occur publicly, and process integrity remains essential.

Why is Commissioner Miller emphasizing process over speed?

Commissioner Miller supports filling the vacancy in a timely manner but not at the expense of legality or public trust. A rushed process that occurs behind the scenes, without public deliberation or clear scheduling, creates legal risk and undermines confidence in the outcome. A transparent process protects applicants, the Board, and the community.

What is Commissioner Miller’s position moving forward?

Commissioner Miller remains hopeful that a lawful and transparent process will move forward and continues to advocate for:

  • Clearly scheduled public meetings
  • Open deliberation on the record
  • Compliance with Oregon law
  • Fair treatment of applicants
  • Meaningful public participation

Why were commissioner vacancy applications posted online?

The applications were posted to ensure transparency in a public appointment process. Appointing a county commissioner is a public decision, and Oregon law supports open review of applicant qualifications by both the Board and the community.

Was confidential information released?

No. The County’s official vacancy application explicitly states that only Page 1 is confidential under Oregon law and that all remaining pages will be shared publicly as part of the application process. Only the non-confidential portions of applications were posted.

What were applicants told in advance about confidentiality?

The application itself prohvides clear written notice:

“Lincoln County considers the information on page 1 to be confidential pursuant to ORS 192.355(2)…Information on following pages will be shared publicly as part of the application process for Board of Commissioners.”

Applicants were informed of this distinction before submitting their materials.

Does posting applications violate applicant trust or privacy?

No. Posting applications consistent with the County’s own written application language honors applicant notice, consent, and Oregon public records law. This approach is also consistent with practices used by other Oregon counties, including Clackamas County.

Why won’t the Board deliberate privately or allow staff to collect or compare commissioners’ “top lists”?

Oregon’s Public Meetings Law requires that deliberation toward a decision occur in a noticed public meeting. Having commissioners privately rank candidates and submit those rankings to staff—who then compare or aggregate preferences—would constitute deliberation toward a decision outside public view.

Guidance from the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) makes clear that using staff as intermediaries to collect or relay commissioner preferences can amount to an unlawful serial meeting. The public has a legal right to observe not only the final vote, but also how deliberation occurs.

Why can’t staff manage rankings if staff aren’t making the final decision?

Staff may lawfully collect applications and provide neutral, factual information. However, staff may not evaluate commissioner preferences, narrow the field, identify “top” candidates, or compare rankings unless explicitly authorized by the Board in a public meeting.

Comparing or synthesizing commissioner rankings goes beyond fact-gathering and into decision-making or recommendation, which must occur publicly under Oregon law.

Are commissioners allowed to share their preferences at all?

Yes—but only in a noticed public meeting. Commissioners may bring their preferred candidates or rankings to a public meeting and deliberate openly, on the record, in front of the community.

Do private rankings also raise public records concerns?

Yes. Rankings or “top lists” created by commissioners as part of this process are public records. Creating and using those records privately to shape outcomes deprives the public of the ability to observe how decisions are made and undermines transparency requirements.

Has Commissioner Miller requested public meetings to address the vacancy process?

Yes. Commissioner Miller has repeatedly requested public meetings and agenda items to clarify authority, process, and timeline for the commissioner vacancy. These requests were made during public meetings and through written memos to Commissioner Chuck, County Counsel, and staff.

Are future meetings currently scheduled to be deliberated on the vacancy?

At this time, despite Miller’s requests, there are no confirmed future public meetings scheduled specifically to deliberate on the commissioner vacancy process. This lack of scheduling contributes to uncertainty for applicants and the community.

What process has Commissioner Miller proposed?

Commissioner Miller has proposed a lawful, transparent, inclusive framework that includes:

  • Public notice and publication of applications
  • Clearly scheduled public meetings
  • Open deliberation by commissioners in noticed meetings
  • Opportunities for community feedback
  • Consistency with Oregon law and best practices used by other counties

This proposed framework has been shared publicly and in writing.

Is collaboration guaranteed going forward?

It remains uncertain whether county staff or Commissioner Chuck will collaborate in implementing the proposed process. Nevertheless, Commissioner Miller remains hopeful that a lawful, transparent, and community-centered process will unfold and continues to advocate for public deliberation and clear scheduling.

Did County staff identify the commissioner vacancy applications as confidential when they were provided to Commissioner Miller? (Added on 2.6.26)

When County staff provided the application materials to Commissioner Miller, they were already redacted in places the County determined should not be public. However, the materials were not accompanied by any written designation that the remaining content was confidential, privileged, or restricted from disclosure. That raises a reasonable process question: if County staff now believes additional portions of the applications should not be public, it would be helpful for County staff to clarify what legal authority applies and when that determination was made. Commissioner Miller’s position is that transparency about the process — including how public records are reviewed, redacted, and released — builds public trust.

Has the County explained what legal standard it is using to decide what parts of the applications can be released to the public? (Added on 2.6.26)

Not publicly. Commissioner Miller has asked for clarity so the process is consistent, understandable, and legally sound.

What should applicants do if they have concerns or questions?

Applicants with questions about confidentiality, redactions, or process are encouraged to contact a commissioner directly.

Commissioner Miller can be reached at –
clmiller@co.lincoln.or.us  

Commissioner Chuck can be reached at –
wchuck@co.lincoln.or.us

Administrative Staff can be reached at –
boc@co.lincoln.or.us Requests will be evaluated in accordance with Oregon public records and public meetings law, included in “public comment” for the public record.

Commissioner Vacancy: Community First

Lincoln County is choosing an interim county commissioner, and this decision belongs in the open. I’ve created a new Vacancy page on this website to share the same information commissioners are reviewing — including the full list of applicants, a proposed public meeting timeline, and areas where the process can be improved.

Transparency matters. When information isn’t showing up in agenda packets or public meetings, the community still deserves access. I invite you to review the applications, learn about the process, and share your thoughts. This is your county, and your voice should be part of the conversation.

👉 Visit the Vacancy page to learn more and review the applicants.

Commissioner Vacancy

MEDIA STATEMENT – Commissioner Casey Miller
January 30, 2026

Thank you for submitting your application for County Commissioner!

Lincoln County invited interested county residents to apply to serve in the seat of the late Commissioner Claire Hall until the next election. The deadline for applications was 1.30.26.

Hall was re-elected to the Board of Commissioners in November 2024, with her term ending Dec. 31, 2028. Commissioner Hall passed away Jan. 4. In accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS 236.210(2)), the county will accept applications to appoint a commissioner until the next election.

I have requested that all applications to be posted online by the end of the day on February 2, 2026. Please check the website for details.

Applicants and community members should review the complete list once it is posted publicly. If any applicant does not see their submission reflected, I ask that they contact me directly and immediately so the issue can be addressed.

I will not move forward with a review process until I am confident that we have full transparency and that every individual who took the time to apply has been properly accounted for.

The community deserves assurance that no one will be left behind in this process.

— Casey Miller, Lincoln County Commissioner

2.4.26 – Meeting Agenda

2.4.26 – AGENDA ITEM MEMO – COMMISSIONER VACANCY APPOINTMENT

To: Walter Chuck & County Counsel
Cc: Board Administrative Staff & MTEAM
From: Commissioner Casey Miller
Date: January 30, 2026
Re: Commissioner Vacancy Appointment Process 2026

History

The January 7th BOC meeting identified that a agenda discussion item was needed to structure the 2026 Commissioner Vacancy process. A subsequent work session was held on January 14.

No published meeting packet items or written memos were provided to the Board in advance. A general application was reviewed, and draft timeline was briefly highlighted. No framework details or official motions were made. Miller was not allowed to review his framework in the work session.

The January 21st regular BOC meeting was cancelled without Board deliberation. Additionally, Miller requested a special meeting on the 28th which was not facilitated. “Commissioner Vacancy” as discussion agenda item was requested in both meetings by Miller.

Purpose – Commissioner Vacancy Process 2026

Direction and framework for the 2026 commissioner vacancy process. (This is very strongly aligned with the Clackamas County process if reference is desired.) https://www.clackamas.us/bcc/appointment

2.2.26 – All Applicants Published Online

BOC Public Meeting Timeline

2.4.26 – Commissioner Vacancy Framework (Agenda: Discussion)
2.11.26 – Develop Interview Questions & Community Feedback/Engagement (BOC Special Meeting)
2.18.26 – Board Deliberation to Select 4 Finalists (Agenda: Discussion)
2.25.26 – In-Person Interviews (BOC Special Meeting)
3.4.26 – Review Community Feedback and Candidate Meet and Greet, MTEAM (Agenda: Discussion)
3.18.26 – Board Deliberation & Appointment (Agenda: Action)
TBD – New Commissioner Onboarding (BOC Special Meeting)

Commissioner Vacancy Framework Overview

Vacancy Occurs
A commissioner seat becomes vacant by resignation, appointment, or another qualifying event.

Board Review of Vacancy Process
Staff brings a memo to the Board proposing directions on timeline, criteria, application questions, and public input.

Public Notice & Application Period
The vacancy is publicly noticed, and applications are accepted for a defined period (typically 2–3 weeks).

Eligibility Review by Staff
Staff verifies statutory eligibility (residency, voter status, etc.) and prepares applications for review/publication.

Applications Published Online and Distributed to the Board
Verified applicants are published online, media release and meeting packet (all announced at the same time).

Board Develops Interview Questions, Community & MTEAM Feedback Form, Meet and Greet Details

Board Deliberation & Selection of 4 Finalists
In a noticed meeting, the Board deliberates and narrows the applicant pool to a short list of finalists.

Board Interviews Finalists
Interviewed in a publicly noticed meeting, using standardized questions and formats.

Review Community Feedback and Hold Meet and Greet Opportunity
Board reviews community feedback and holds meet and greet event for interested community members and MTEAM

Board Deliberation & Final Appointment
The Board deliberates and appoints a commissioner by formal action.

Onboarding Discussion (Special Meeting)
Commissioners talk freely about: How to submit agenda items, Commission and Board membership overview, meeting deliberation framework, discussion of commissioner handbook, MTEAM discussions, etc.