Energized by President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, Scott Lee decided to delve into local politics. He took office a few years later as residents were beginning to feel the effects of an economic upswing after the Great Recession.

Lee, the chairman of the Clatsop County commission, did not seek re-election this year after serving since 2011. He said the county, due to prior planning, fared better in the recession than other rural areas. But staffing and service cuts still cause headaches.

“We really worked hard to stabilize the county,” Lee said. “Now that the county is in good shape, we’re working on providing services.”

Lee, a progressive and environmentalist, pointed to major environmental decisions as some of his most memorable moments. Top of mind for him are choices to reject a liquefied natural gas pipeline and terminal in Warrenton and to withdraw from a class-action timber lawsuit against the state.

“The LNG controversy really brought the community together,” Lee said. “I think protecting the diverse value of our forests was a really important position we made.”

County Manager Cameron Moore has been with the county since 2016 and is retiring in January. Moore said he tends not to focus on the past and did not offer many reflections on his tenure.

“That’s sort of not the way I approach my thought process,” Moore said. “It’s just more my philosophy. You just have to go in and earn it.”

But he did speak a little bit about his time working with Lee. Moore and Lee would meet ahead of county commission meetings to review agendas.

“I think it was fairly easy to work with Scott because I respected his position as chair and he respected my position as county manager, and that allowed us to have a positive working relationship,” Moore said.

‘Don’t go looking for a fight’

Lee’s relationships with other county commissioners were not always positive. He did not shy away from fights, but the chairman insists he never picked them.

“My philosophy is, ‘Don’t go looking for a fight. Wait until it comes to you,’” Lee said. “I didn’t go out and start any of the struggles I dealt with in my time on the board.”

One of the most notable strains was between Lee and Commissioner Lianne Thompson. Since she was elected in 2014, Lee has criticized her on multiple fronts, and the arguments have often boiled over at commission meetings.

“The only comment I have is that his record speaks for itself,” Thompson said.

Lee put the sticking points with Thompson and others into a historical perspective. While recent interactions have been stressful, problems on the commission in the 2000s — including several recalls — were far more damaging, Lee said.

“I think the issues I’ve had to confront don’t come close to what happened in the 2000s. It was a disaster,” Lee said. “There are still echoes of that era, but I don’t think what I’ve dealt with rose to that level.”

Both Lee and Moore emphasized that commissioners should adhere to the county charter to avoid future friction. The charter delegates the responsibility for carrying out board policies and hiring and firing employees to the county manager.

Heated discussions have taken place about what that means, including whether commissioners have the right to sit in on interviews during the hiring process for department directors. Moore and Lee have said the charter, which voters approved, removes commissioners from any role in day-to-day county operations.

“I think one of the most important things commissioners can do is follow the rule and the letter of the home rule charter,” Lee said. “Every time a commissioner has gone astray, it’s because people haven’t followed that.”

‘Obvious choice’

Commissioner Sarah Nebeker — the board’s vice chairwoman, who has served since 2013 — incoming Commissioner Mark Kujala — a former Warrenton mayor — and Thompson have all expressed interest in replacing Lee as chair.

Lee, who has served as chairman for the past five years, has endorsed Nebeker.

“She’d be the obvious choice based on experience and skills leading the board,” Lee said. “I think she has a great personality to lead the board.”

The new chair will lead the commission’s search for a new county manager. Monica Steele, the county’s budget and finance director, as well as the interim county manager, has said she would likely apply.

Moore had had discussions with Steele about the job for more than two years.

“I think if she decided she wanted to apply, given my opportunity to work closely with her in my time here, she is certainly someone I support based on what I know about her and her ability,” Moore said.

Lee, who owns Bikes and Beyond in Astoria, said he will remain involved in local politics. He will volunteer with a local environmental group, but is waiting to show his hand until the new commission is in place.

“You never know where I’ll pop up,” Lee said. “You never know which next fight is going to come that I’m not going to invite.”