Patton enters race for county commission

Published 5:00 pm Thursday, February 29, 2024

ENTERPRISE — Another candidate has thrown his hat into the ring to replace Todd Nash on the Wallowa County Board of Commissioners.

Devin Patton of Enterprise, a fifth-generation resident of Wallowa County, filed with the Wallowa County Clerk on Feb. 21 to face four others for Position No. 1 on the board.

In addition to Patton, candidates on the ballot in the May 21 primary election include John Amond, David Brandt, Lisa Collier and Angelika Dietrich-Garoutte. The deadline to file for office is March 12. The two top vote-getters in the primary will face off in the Nov. 5 general election, said Sandy Lathrop, county clerk.

Patton, a graduate of Joseph High School and the University of Idaho, received a bachelor of science degree in agricultural economics. He has spent more than 20 years working as a rancher and farmhand and also now operates a regenerative custom-grazing business and offers risk management and marketing consulting to farmers and ranchers in the Pacific Northwest.

Married for over a decade and a father of four, Patton said he is committed to Wallowa County’s long-term success, and said his candidacy reflects a dedication to preserving the county’s agricultural heritage while prioritizing responsible growth.

In a press release, Patton said he would work on the board for policies that support the interests of local farmers, ranchers and the sustainable management of natural resources. He also expects to act as a advocate for the agricultural and natural resource sectors.

Patton said he would champion policies that foster sustainable growth while preserving the distinctive values and character of Wallowa County. He also wants to collaborate with stakeholders to create a growth framework that aligns with the community’s values.

He said he would prioritize initiatives that contribute to the prosperity and well-being of future generations, with a specific focus on improving the housing situation and bolstering the local economy.

Nash has filed to run for the state Senate seat of retiring Sen. Bill Hansell. Nash has held the Position No. 1 seat since January 2017. During that time, he has been the commissioner dealing most closely with natural resources.

Commissioner Susan Roberts, who holds Position No. 2 on the commission, has filed for reelection, but no one yet has filed to challenge her. She has held the position since 2009. Prior to that, she was Enterprise mayor from 1993-2004.