Tovey leaves Morrow County for Hermiston
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, September 15th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
HEPPNER – Morrow County District Attorney Justin Nelson says he knew he was lucky when, about a decade ago, Richard Tovey applied to be deputy district attorney for the county. He came with prosecutorial experience, and wanted to return to the area where he was raised. Now Nelson has to say goodbye to Tovey, and hope for more luck as he seeks a replacement.
Tovey was hired as the city of Hermiston’s first full-time in-house attorney at the city council meeting Monday night. On Tuesday he officially turned in his two-week notice.
“This is a huge loss for Morrow County, but it’s a huge gain for the residents of Hermiston,” Nelson said. “The city of Hermiston is getting a fantastic individual as the new city attorney. I think they realize they’re lucky now how blessed they are to get a person of his caliber, his intelligence, and his skill.”
Tovey already lives in Hermiston, and will now have more time to spend with his family, Nelson said.
