CRITIC REQUESTS INVESTIGATION OF SHERIFF

Lebanon resident Fred Arnold asked the Linn County Board of Commissioners
Tuesday to request an investigation of Linn County Sheriff Dave Burright.

Arnold contends that the law enforcement presence led by Burright at the
Rock & Reggae Revival music festival held Labor Day Weekend by William
Conde in Harrisburg was discriminatory, intimidating and meant to be
provocative.

"I've been to some big events this year, the State Fair, Benton County
Fair, Linn County Fair, Timber Carnival, quilt fair, an OSU football game
... and I didn't see a police presence at those events like at the Conde
festival," Arnold said. "In fact, police presence at all those events
combined wasn't like the Conde event."

Arnold is a business owner and a member of the Pacific Green Party.

Prior to his appearance before the board, Arnold asked several other
agencies, including the Oregon State Police and the district attorney, to
look into the matter. So far, none have responded and Arnold now wants the
county to request an investigation by the state's Department of Public
Safety Standards and Training. The agency, based in Monmouth, certifies
candidates for sheriff.

"I'd like to have somebody look at this and see if any laws were broken,"
Arnold said, adding that he trusted the judgment of the Department of
Public Safety Standards and would drop the matter if the review cleared the
sheriff of any wrongdoing.

The Linn commissioners agreed to consider Arnold's request and make a
decision Oct. 13.

Of the three board members, Commissioner Dave Schmidt was most hesitant to
consider the request.

"We have zero authority over the way he (Burright) conducts his office,"
Schmidt said.

Commissioner Catherine Skiens asked where citizens were supposed to go if
they couldn't be heard by the commissioners.

"If people in the county have concerns, they have the right to be heard,"
Skiens said. "I think this man is asking us to do what we were elected to
do and respect his concerns."

Commissioner John Lindsey, the newest member, elected last fall, said he
needed time to make a decision in order to make certain the board was
following the proper procedures.

"I would like to see historically whether anything like this has ever been
done before. I'd like something to follow," Lindsey said.

Arnold said he was satisfied with the board's response.

"I feel pretty pleased that they gave this a fair hearing," he said.

If the board does not refer the matter for an investigation, Arnold said he
is prepared to launch a recall campaign against Burright.

Burright was not present at the board's Tuesday meeting, and in an
interview this morning he reacted sharply.

"The board of commissioners has no jurisdiction here and no authority,
period," Burright said. "We acted totally reasonably with great restraint.
The deputies acted with utmost professionalism, even when provoked. I will
not give this county up to narcotics. I have more faith in the people of
this county than to think that is what they want. If they want law
enforcement blackmailed by people who do not obey the law, then they need a
new sheriff."