In the Feb. 5 East Oregonian, some Union County commissioners questioned the constitutionality of term limits. In 2016, 5,578 voters (68%) approved term limits. Oregon has
other counties with term limits.

County commissions did not exist in 1857, when Oregon’s Constitution was approved. Under Article IV, Section 7, county officers are elected, or appointed as prescribed by law. Oregon Revised Statute 203.035 gave counties the authority and power over all matters of county concern. Counties governed with their ordinances.

Douglas County’s term limits were struck down when a commissioner sued her county so she could run for a third term. The court found its ordinance changed the “qualifications” for the commissioner’s position, which conflicted with the state Constitution. In 1857, Section 2, Article V covered the qualifications of the candidates. The commissioner withdrew from the election, knowing her lawsuit conflicted with the desires of the electors.

Union County’s term limit ordinance 2017-01 mirrors the state Constitution. The governor’s position is limited to two four-year terms, under Section 1 of Article V, which covers the eligibility and not the qualifications of candidates. Ordinance 2017-01 mirrors the guidelines of Oregon’s Constitution, allowing term limits as outlined in Section 1 of Article V.

Term limit for commissioners works very well, with positions being filled by competent people, working tirelessly for their constituents. In the last primary election, nine candidates ran for one position, reflecting the competitiveness term limits brought to the commission. We have the best qualified person for each commission position.

I remind our commissioners that without term limits, they may not have had the opportunity to serve Union County as commissioners.

Jack Johnson
Cove