The formal process to fill a single vacancy on the Josephine County Board of Commissioners is now set to begin following the resignation of Andrea Blech. After months of political turmoil and sustained public scrutiny, county officials have outlined a clear and deliberate approach to addressing the first of two leadership gaps, emphasizing procedural order, transparency, and strict compliance with the county charter.
Rather than attempting to resolve multiple vacancies simultaneously, the county will proceed in stages. The Temporary Board of Other Elective Administrative Officers has been assembled specifically to appoint one commissioner to fill the seat left vacant by Blech’s resignation. Only after the recall of Chris Barnett is fully certified will the appointment of the remaining seat move forward. At that later stage, the two sitting commissioners will conduct interviews and appoint a third commissioner, restoring the board to full membership.
The temporary board will meet on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Board of County Commissioners Conference Room. The meeting will be livestreamed on official county platforms, allowing residents to observe the process as it unfolds. The agenda reflects the seriousness of the task ahead, beginning with the selection of a chair and continuing with detailed discussions on application requirements, timelines, and vacancy postings related to the single seat now under consideration.
The Temporary Board of Other Elective Administrative Officers is composed of independently elected county officials, including the sheriff, county surveyor, county clerk, county treasurer, county assessor, and county legal counsel. This structure deliberately separates the appointment authority from the commission itself, reducing the risk of political pressure or internal influence. By distributing decision-making power among officials elected to different roles, the county aims to reinforce confidence that the appointment will be based on qualifications and process rather than politics.
A central point of public attention has been who will not participate in the decision. Chris Barnett, whose recall election has already concluded and now awaits certification, will have no role whatsoever in the appointment process. County officials have drawn a firm line, making clear that Barnett’s authority ended with the recall vote, regardless of any prior attempts to remain involved in commissioner-related decisions.
Adding another layer of separation, sitting Commissioner Ron Smith has voluntarily recused himself from the selection of the replacement for Blech’s seat. Smith’s decision is intended to preserve neutrality and eliminate any perception of favoritism or backroom influence. By stepping aside during this phase, Smith has emphasized that the integrity of the process outweighs expediency or political convenience.
During the January 12 meeting, the temporary board will focus exclusively on the mechanics of filling the single open seat. This includes reviewing whether to establish a new application deadline, evaluating the contents of a revised application, approving vacancy postings, and setting a clear timeline for selection. Each step will be taken in a public forum, with materials and discussions accessible to residents.
For many in Josephine County, this moment represents a cautious reset. The resignation, recall election, and subsequent disputes over authority left lingering questions about stability and governance. By addressing one vacancy at a time, county leadership appears intent on avoiding shortcuts and minimizing legal or procedural challenges.
As the process unfolds, attention will soon turn to the next phase, when the recall of Barnett is officially certified and the responsibility for appointing the final commissioner shifts to the remaining members of the board. For now, however, the county’s focus is narrow and deliberate. The path forward is defined, the rules are clear, and the message to residents is unmistakable: this transition will take place in the open, governed by process rather than personalities, with accountability at its core.