Commissioner Miller Advocates For Appointment Of Landers

Information provided by County Commissioner Casey Miller:

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. Commissioner Miller has stated that at tomorrow's June 17th Board of Commissioners meeting, he 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, Miller said he has consistently advocated for a transparent and publicly understood appointment process. On January 7, he said he submitted a memorandum requesting a public work session and staff report to review the commissioner appointment process before candidate selection began. He requested discussion of eligibility criteria, interview procedures, public participation opportunities, evaluation methods, timeline development, and workflow responsibilities.

Later in January, Miller 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

Miller said "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. Miller added that 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. Miller stated "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

Miller stated following recent media coverage, many residents have expressed a concern that resonates with him. 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. Miller added "I believe appointing Commissioner-elect Landers accomplishes both objectives."

Miller Reflects 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."

The Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for tomorrow June 17th at 10am and is accessible online. Here is a link to the meeting and here is a link to a video with information about Landers https://youtu.be/OAvLjnHJoQ4?si=ZGM0RKlvvv1Bq3JK