Wallowa County Commissioner Susan Roberts presents a Pendleton wool blanket to ourgoing commission Chairman Todd Nash on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, at the courthouse in Enterprise. The meeting was Nash's last as a commissioner. In November, he was elected to the state Senate and will take that post in January.

ENTERPRISE — A fond farewell was given to Wallowa County Commissioner Todd Nash at the board’s meeting Dec. 18, his last before going to Salem in January as a new state senator.

“Your voice is vital to identifying the challenges (Wallowa County) faces,” Commissioner Susan Roberts said after presenting Nash with a Pendleton wool blanket as a farewell gift. “You understand the needs and values of our community.”

Nash served two four-year terms as commissioner. He was elected Nov. 5 to replace retiring District 29 Sen. Bill Hansell. He has been working closely with Hansell in recent weeks to learn the job and ensure a seamless transition.

“For the first time in a long time, we’re going to have someone representing this county and the other eastside counties to the best of his ability,” Roberts said. “And the best of his ability is with the support he gets from every individual from his district.”

Fellow Commissioner John Hillock agreed, saying he is looking forward to Nash speaking for rural Oregonians.

“It’s been awhile since we’ve had representation from our side of the mountains, and the west doesn’t often pay attention to what’s going on over here,” Hillock said.

“The board and the rest of Wallowa County want to thank Commissioner Nash for his service here and to the community and wish him well in representing us in Salem,” Roberts said.

To the public at large, she added, “I encourage each of you to support our newly elected state senator as he tries to meet these issues. … Let’s turn support into action and build a more vibrant Wallowa County for everyone. Thank you (to Nash) for your partnership and trust as we send Sen.-elect Todd Nash to Salem. But don’t tell him, ‘I want you to take care of X, Y and Z.’ Work with him, work with his staff; it’s very important.”

After thanking his fellow commissioners, he spoke about his replacement on the board. Lisa Collier, the outgoing mayor of Joseph, who was present at Wednesday’s meeting, said she had set up her office in the courthouse two weeks ago and is ready to hit the ground running in January.

“I know that Lisa is going to step in here and I think she’s going to do a great job,” he said, appearing to get a bit emotional.

“Don’t cry, now,” Roberts laughed.

“Thank you for putting up with me,” he said. “I really appreciate it.”