Oregon Public Broadcasting

Monday, Marion County Commissioners will begin discussing a way to replace former Sheriff Russ Isham. Isham stepped down last week in the face of a state investigation. April Baer reports.

Marion County Commissioners are trying to suss out their options. Undersheriff Jason Myers is serving in an interim capacity, and he could do so until an election is held. But county leaders might appoint a replacement sooner.

Commissioner Janet Carlson says the Marion County Sheriff's job poses specific challenges.

Janet Carlson  "We may be 2nd in the state with people coming out of institutions. That comes from that long-standing constitutional provision that prisons could only be built in Marion County."

That provision isn't part of the law any more, but Marion County still has more jails than most.

Situated on I-5, the county is also a key flashpoint for the fight against drug crime.

The next sheriff will need strong skills working with other agencies, and the community.

Isham was well known as an advocate of community policing, and Carlson says his successor will need to share that trait.

Carlson says she doesn't know if candidates who competed for Isham's job would still be interested.