Pursuant to notice made to the newspaper of general circulation throughout Grant County, the radio station in Grant County, and to interested persons on the Grant County e-mail list, a special meeting of the County Court was held at the County Courthouse in Canyon City OR.

The Secretary of State designated a meeting today at 9:00 am in Wasco County to convene the governing bodies of Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Jefferson, Sherman, Wheeler and Wasco counties for the purpose of selecting an individual from a list of nominees, submitted by the precinct committees, to fill a vacancy that exists in Oregon House Representative District 59. 

The meeting, held at Cousins’ Restaurant & Saloon located at 2114 W. Sixth Street in The Dalles, was called to order at 9:10 am by Chairperson Patricia Shaw, Gilliam County Commissioner. Representatives from seven counties participated in the proceeding. Congressman Greg Walden was in attendance.  The Grant County Court participated from the Grant County Courthouse by speaker phone. Present were Judge Mark R. Webb and Commissioners Scott W. Myers and Boyd Britton, and Secretary Mary Ferrioli.

The chosen nominees were Mick Goss, John Huffman and MD Van Valkenburgh. First, Mick Goss introduced himself, provided information about his background and experience, and answered a few questions.  Next, John Huffman introduced himself, provided information on his background and addressed the group regarding his qualifications, philosophy and areas of concern. In response to questions posed by Commissioner Britton, among others, Huffman talked about his position on the use of natural resources (forests and water) and his ability to influence others through building relationships.

9:45 am – State Senator Ted Ferrioli entered.

Finally, MD Van Valkenburgh introduced himself, provided information about his background and experience, and answered a few questions about natural resources, Oregon’s tax structure.

Each county faxed their individually signed statement 60;In the Matter of Filling the Vacancy in the Legislative Assembly, State House, District 59, to the Cousins Restaurant in The Dalles.  Each member participant also voiced their individual vote then each vote was announced to the group.  In conclusion, it was announced that John Huffman received the majority of votes and would become the next Oregon House Representative for District 59.

10:10 am – Adjourned                  

Respectfully Submitted, Mary R. Ferrioli / County Court Secretary