Lynn Findley appointed to Oregon House

Retired BLM Official, City Manager to Represent House District 60 

Ontario, Ore. – Commissioners from Malheur, Baker, Harney, Baker and Lake Counties yesterday appointed Lynn Findley to fill the vacancy in House District 60. Findley, a 32 year veteran of the Bureau of Land Management and former city manager, will fill the remainder of former Representative Cliff Bentz’s term in office.

“I am so humbled to have earned the support of our local PCPs and county commissioners from across House District 60,” said Findley. “I’ve spent my entire life in and around this community in various roles, but to have the opportunity to represent my neighbors as their state representative in Salem is truly a great honor. I am hopeful that my skill set will be an asset to the Legislature and will allow me to make a positive impact not only for the residents of HD 60, but for Oregonians in every corner of the state. I am excited to get to work in February.”

Findley’s professional background includes five years as the City Manager for Vale, Oregon and 32 years in Fire and Aviation Management with the Bureau of Land Management. Findley completed his BLM career at the National Office of Fire and Aviation as the Bureau’s National Aviation Program Manager. He has extensive fire management experience, and has served as an Incident Commander for a Type II Interagency Incident Management Team. Additionally, he has extensive program management and budgeting experience having developed local, regional and national budgets with the Bureau. He has also worked for five years as the Project Representative overseeing Water and Wastewater System Improvement projects in the the communities of Nyssa, Vale and Prairie City.

In addition to his professional background, Findley has also served in a variety of volunteer government positions. Findley has served on the Malheur County Planning Commission, Lakeview City Planning Commission, Malheur County Rural Lands Committee, Malheur County Comprehensive Plan Rewrite Committee, Southeast Area Commission on Transportation, Malheur Economic Development Board, and the League of Oregon Cities Transportation Policy and Economic Development Committees. Findley also helped launch the “Poverty to Prosperity” initiative in Malheur County, served as a Board member of the Owyhee Basin Steward Coalition and as a volunteer with the Vale FFA Scholarship Committee.

“Lynn’s background with the BLM and as a city manager will allow him to make an immediate impact in Salem,” said House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte). “While Senator Bentz left some big shoes to fill, I am confident that House District 60 will be in good hands with Lynn’s leadership. House Republicans look forward to welcoming him to the Legislature.”

Findley’s swearing-in ceremony will be held on a date to be announced. The 2018 legislative session begins February 5.