Oregon Public Broadcasting

Multnomah County Commissioners settled a tough succession issue Thursday, appointing Lew Frederick to the Oregon House District 43, the seat representing North and Northeast Portland. April Baer reports.

Frederick is a former reporter and press spokesman, and he's a member of the state board of education, who's run for office before.

He narrowly edged out Karol Collymore, a staffer for Commissioner Jeff Cogen.

Eddie Lincoln, who leads the faculty union at Portland Community College was also a contender.

County Chair Ted Wheeler cast the tie-breaking vote.

Frederick won him over with his grasp of economic development issues. He said he looks forward to getting started.

Lew Frederick "I expect a primary challenge, and that's fine. But I won the district when I ran for county commission. I think I can do that again."

Collymore and Lincoln both said they needed some time to consider a primary challenge.

This appointment process has been repeated several times in Oregon counties this year, as state legislators stepped down early.

Some critics say the system should require special elections, instead of appointments.