Commission appoints local applicant as interim District 4 commissioner after debate over fairness

Hood River County commissioners voted 3–1 on April 15 to appoint local applicant Chad Muenzer as the interim commissioner for District 4 through Dec. 31, 2024. Commissioner Moretti moved to appoint Muenzer and Commissioner Weathers seconded; Commissioners Babitz, Weathers and Moretti voted in favor and Chair Euwer voted no.

The appointment followed a work session discussion about process and fairness. Chair Euwer and several public commenters urged caution given multiple candidates on the May ballot and emails from constituents expressing concern about the appearance of favoritism. Albert Nance, a Port of Cascade Locks commissioner and District 4 candidate, said he declined to apply for the interim seat to avoid any perception of advantage for candidates who were appointed.

Muenzer, who has served on the Fair Board and the Wy'East Fire District board, told commissioners he applied because he wants to represent District 4 during the interim and particularly during the budget process. Commissioners asked whether he would relinquish the interim seat if another candidate clearly won the May election; Muenzer said he would.

Commissioners who supported the appointment said the county followed a public process to solicit applicants and that having District 4 represented during budget discussions is important. Commissioner Babitz acknowledged optics concerns but said the county followed the rules it previously adopted. Chair Euwer said she was disappointed but ultimately felt the board had to choose between imperfect options.

The appointment is temporary; the candidate who wins the November election will take the seat in January 2025. The board’s action on April 15 fills the vacancy through the end of 2024 and will be followed by the regular electoral process.