Oregon Public Broadcasting

Dan Staton was sworn in Thursday as the interim sheriff of Oregon's most populous county. April Baer reports.

Staton faces several challenges. He'll work with a tight budget for 2010, and may have to smooth things over after several bumpy years at the Sheriff's Department.

Staton was greeted with a  standing ovation at his swearing in. He thanked his predecessor, outgoing Sheriff Bob Skipper, whom he called a gentleman, comparing him to Will Rogers.

Staton also said he wants to devote time and energy to the needs of people with mental illness.

Dan Staton:   "It is unacceptable that we have turned the Sheriff's correction system into a big-box warehouse, with minimum amounts of treatment services, all in the name of fiscal crisis in corrections."

Staton will also have to campaign to retain his job. An election's scheduled for March 9th next year.

The race is filling out, with Lt. Bruce McCain, a close ally of Bernie Giusto, and Tom Slyter, a department veteran who recently worked as an undersheriff for Bob Skipper.