Okanogan County Republican Party outlines process to fill sheriff vacancy

OKANOGAN COUNTY — The Okanogan County Republican Party announced plans to begin the process of selecting nominees to fill the upcoming vacancy in the Okanogan County sheriff’s office following Sheriff Paul Budrow’s resignation.

Budrow announced Friday that he will step down from the elected position effective April 6 to accept the role of police chief for the Town of Twisp.

In a statement released Friday evening, Okanogan County Republican Party Chair Stacy Storm said the party learned of Budrow’s resignation earlier in the day and acknowledged reports that the change had been rumored in recent weeks.

According to the statement, the party did not take action on the matter until the resignation was officially announced.

Under Article II, Section 15 of the Washington State Constitution, when a partisan elected official leaves office before the end of a term, the replacement must be from the same political party as the departing official. Because Budrow is a Republican, the interim appointee must also be a Republican.

Precinct Committee Officers comprising the Okanogan County Republican Central Committee will nominate three candidates for the position. The Okanogan County commissioners will then appoint one of those nominees to serve as sheriff.

The commissioners must make the appointment within 60 days of the effective date of the resignation. With Budrow’s resignation taking effect April 6, the deadline for the appointment would be June 5.

The Okanogan County Republican Party Executive Board is scheduled to meet Monday, March 9, to begin organizing the nomination process and set dates to interview interested candidates before the Republican Central Committee.

In the statement, Storm said the office of sheriff is “exceedingly important for the safety and security of the citizens of Okanogan County.”

The party said it intends to provide updates on the process through social media, email and news releases.