TL/DR –
Ben West, a Clackamas County Commissioner, has been selected as the next city administrator for Junction City, Oregon. As a Wilsonville City Councilor and a nurse and lieutenant in the Navy Reserves, West was appreciated for his ability to establish relationships with political leaders and his focus on large projects. However, he is under investigation by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for allegedly assisting his father in securing a temporary county maintenance job.
Junction City Appoints New City Administrator
Junction City’s leadership has selected Clackamas County Commissioner, Ben West, as their new city administrator. The decision was unanimously agreed upon by the Junction City Council, subject to a background check.
West, a serving Clackamas County Commissioner since 2023, failed to secure re-election in May. He served earlier as Wilsonville City Councilor and holds positions as a nurse and Navy Reserves lieutenant.
Junction City Mayor Ken Wells expressed his approval of West, citing his ability to forge strong relationships with political leaders and community members, and his proficiency in managing large projects.
Contrary to this, allegations swirl as West is under investigation by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. The probe relates to West supposedly assisting his father secure a temporary county maintenance job.
West steps into the role following the previous administrator’s departure in February, after a tenure of 11 years. Spencer Nebel, who retired as City of Newport’s administrator, was tasked with leading operations until a suitable replacement was found.
Having accepted the job, West’s final background information will be reviewed by councillors. Following successful vetting, an employment agreement is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. The job offers a salary ranging from $145,000 to $165,000. City leaders are considering initially employing West part-time to enable completion of his term as Clackamas County Commissioner in December.
West was chosen from a pool of 25 applicants, including Joe Samaniego, city manager of Tangent, and Cheryl Stone, a fiscal services director for La Paz County in Arizona and former court administrator in Eugene.
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