Bev Clarno appointed as Oregon Secretary of State
/Clarno was the first woman to hold leadership positions in both the Oregon House and Senate
Salem, Ore. — Governor Kate Brown today appointed former state legislator from Redmond Bev Clarno as Oregon’s Secretary of State. During her tenure, Clarno served as Speaker of the House and Senate Republican Leader, and she was also appointed by President George W. Bush as Director for Region 10 of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“Bev’s career is marked by her trailblazing spirit, focus on fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to Oregonians,” said Governor Brown. “Bev’s experience as a legislator and as a manager of a large government organization is key to the success of the programs and employees the Secretary of State oversees. I’m confident that Bev will continue the legacy of accountability and integrity that Secretary Richardson left on the office of Secretary of State."
“I'm honored by the confidence that Governor Brown has placed in me and pledge to be a good steward of the office. I know there is not a Republican way or a Democrat way to oversee elections—there is only a fair and honest way. There is not a Republican way or a Democrat way to audit state agencies, there is only a fair, thorough, and honest way. I will administer the key functions of this office in a way that will earn the trust and faith of all Oregonians,” said Clarno.
Clarno had been a hog farmer and cattle rancher, real estate broker and appraiser among other occupations before her election in 1988 to the Oregon House of Representatives. She was re-elected three times, and served as Speaker of the House from 1995 to 1997. She was elected to the Oregon State Senate in 2000, and served as Senate Republican Leader in the 2003 session. During that 2003 session, the Oregon Senate had a 15-15 Republican-Democrat split.
A dedicated community volunteer, she has served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Oregon Historical Society, the Maryhill Museum, Deschutes River Conservancy Board, the Deschutes County Fair and Expo, the Central Oregon Community College Foundation, and the Redmond Chamber of Commerce.
Clarno will take the oath of office over the next several days, and she will be sworn in ceremonially the week of April 1. Updates from Clarno's team will be posted to the @BevClarnoPublic Twitter account.
Press release provided from office of Kate Brown, Governor of Oregon.
Senate Minority Leader Herman Baertschiger on Appointment of Clarno
SALEM, Ore. - Senate Minority Leader Herman Baertschiger Jr., R-Grants Pass, released the following statement today after Governor Kate Brown’s announcement that appointed former Speaker of the House Bev Clarno as Secretary of State:
“The position of Secretary of State is so important in keeping Oregon’s government and elections fair and transparent. It is my hope that Bev Clarno continues the legacy left by Secretary Richardson and uses the position to be a strong advocate for good government, including continuing to audit state agencies and show Oregonians what is really happening in their state government. “
“The position of Secretary of State is so important in keeping Oregon’s government and elections fair and transparent. It is my hope that Bev Clarno continues the legacy left by Secretary Richardson and uses the position to be a strong advocate for good government, including continuing to audit state agencies and show Oregonians what is really happening in their state government.”
House Republican Leader, Carl Wilson on the appointment of Clarno
SALEM, Oregon – House Republican Leader Rep. Carl Wilson (R-Grants Pass) issued the following statement on Governor Kate Brown’s appointment of former Speaker of the House Bev Clarno as Secretary of State:
“The House Republicans congratulate Bev Clarno on her appointment as Secretary of State. Bev has been a tremendous example to all women in politics and especially those who followed her career in chamber leadership. We are fortunate once again to benefit from her vast experience and common sense. Her distinguished career as a public servant in Oregon will be invaluable to all Oregonians.”