Baker County Chair Shane Alderson appointed to Specialty Courts Task Force
By Joe Hathaway on Friday, June 14th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY — Shane Alderson, County Chair of Baker County, has been selected to serve on Oregon’s newly established task force on specialty courts. This task force was created under House Bill 4001, passed during this year’s legislative session, with the goal of optimizing treatment courts across the state.
The task force is charged with ensuring that drug treatment and other specialty courts are structured to effectively support families and individuals struggling with addiction. Alderson will represent smaller counties, as the Speaker of the House is responsible for appointing two members from county governing bodies: one from a county with a population over 300,000 and one from a county with fewer than 50,000 residents.
Alderson says Baker County, which actively operates a specialty court, has been a strong advocate for such programs. These courts provide individuals within the criminal justice system access to treatment, mental health services, and social support, aiming to help them regain stability and improve their lives.
“I am honored to be appointed to this task force,” Alderson said. “Specialty courts play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. I look forward to contributing to the development and growth of these essential programs.”
Alderson has expressed his commitment to contributing to the task force’s mission, saying these courts are important in assisting those affected by addiction while also holding them accountable for their actions, especially if they commit crime.
