County Officials file for re-election
By Paul Hall on Friday, September 10th, 2021 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
Kelsie McDaniel’s Statement–
Union County – (Information provided by Union County District Attorney Kelsie McDaniel) Union County District Attorney Kelsie McDaniel filed Thursday morning for re-election. “I have been honored to serve in this position since 2014 and look forward to the opportunity to continue the hard work of seeking justice for the citizens of Union County,” McDaniel said.
McDaniel has worked as a prosecutor for over 12 years, handling a case load of major crimes, child abuse and sexual assault. In the last few years, McDaniel championed the development and implementation of the Union County Behavioral Health Court, a collaborative approach to addressing crimes committed by veterans and individuals struggling with mental health. The program is designed to provide intensive supervision, structure and treatment.
Rural Oregon especially, has struggled to address issues of mental illness and addiction, and DA McDaniel has been at the forefront of trying to collaborate resources to help Union County. This past legislative session, District Attorney McDaniel is exceptionally proud to have been the author of Senate Bill 218, which allows for increased opportunities for veterans and individuals with mental illness to complete Behavioral Health Court programs in exchange for their cases being dismissed. McDaniel believes that a veteran should not be labeled a criminal for experiencing the after effects of their service. The bill she drafted helps to make that opportunity for treatment possible in Union County and all over Oregon.
DA McDaniel has fostered strong relationships with law enforcement and community partners. She remains a staunch advocate for victims and a common-sense approach to criminal justice. DA McDaniel also testified against the repeal of Measure 11 mandatory minimum sentences for the most egregious and violent offenses, standing up for victims and truth in sentencing.
In addition to the work McDaniel does for Union County, she also serves on the Oregon District Attorneys Association Board of Directors and the Oregon Sexual Assault Task Force. McDaniel and her husband Kyle have lived in North Powder for over ten years where they are raising their two children.
“I am proud of the innovative ways we are helping to make Union County a safe community. Whether it be through Behavioral Health Court, our Restitution Program or Clothes Closet, I will not stop looking for ways that we can effectively address crime and fight for victims.”
To learn more about District Attorney Kelsie McDaniel, visit www.DAKelsieMcDaniel.com or find us on Facebook at Re-Elect District Attorney Kelsie McDaniel.
Matt Scarfo’s Statement–
Union County – (Information provided by Union County Commissioner Matt Scarfo) I am Matt Scarfo and happy to announce my intent to seek re-election as Union County Commissioner. I have been honored to serve the citizens of this county as Commissioner and am looking forward to continuing to serve in this position to build upon the knowledge and experience I continue to gain on a daily basis. The past few years have been eventful due to the number of issues, but most importantly the coronavirus. I will continue to work hard to coordinate the protection and safety of our community. I do however look forward to the day that our county returns to a normal, familiar status in which more efforts can be directed towards issues not related to COVID-19.
I would like to thank the citizens of Union County for their ongoing support. One thing that has remained steady throughout the pandemic is that my door is always open. I am happy to discuss any topics of citizen concern and can be reached by email at mscarfo@union-county.org, or at the office at 541-963-1001.
