By Robin Kostrikin
The County Commissioners have asked for public input regarding ongoing concerns within the District Attorney’s Office. The Board discussed these issues earlier this week, and a recording of that briefing is available on YouTube. The link is below.
At Wednesday’s Board meeting on June 17th, their county counsel told me that the Commissioners will be considering what actions are available to them regarding this issue. Because the District Attorney is an elected official, ultimate accountability rests with the voters. If Ms. Olsen does not resign, a recall effort may be the only available remedy, although such an effort cannot begin until six months into her new term in 2027.
Many community members believe that victims, employees and victims right advocates have already been harmed by the problems identified within the office and that additional harm continues to occur. Concerns have also been raised regarding retaliation against a whistleblower in the sheriffs office who is risking their career to do the right thing. Individuals who come forward in the public interest should be protected from retaliation, and their identities should remain confidential.
The investigation into the District Attorney’s Office identified significant concerns. According to county officials, efforts were made to work with Ms. Olsen to address those concerns, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
Commissioners will be discussing potential responses, including reviewing the District Attorney’s county-funded stipend and other county-provided benefits including her bond insurance. Any action should be carefully considered to avoid creating unintended precedents that could affect other elected offices in the future.
If you support crime victims, government accountability, and transparency, please consider participating in the Board of Commissioners meeting on June 17. You may participate via Zoom, submit written testimony or in person. You need to sign up to be on Zoom or provide written testimony by 12 pm on Tuesday the day before the board meeting. If you choose to testify the day of the board meeting, you just need to sign up when you arrive. Meetings are at 9 am every Wednesday. Information is on the county website under Board of Commissioners. Link: https://www.tillamookcounty.gov/
Public participation matters. The Commissioners need to hear from community members who are concerned about the future of the District Attorney’s Office and its impact on victims, employees, and the public. They need our support now as do all the victims, employees, law enforcement and victim rights advocates.
Also, if you know any of these victims, I encourage them to file an ethics complaint with the state bar against Ms. Olson’s license.(our DA)
Please share this information with others who may be interested.
Link to Board Briefing regarding the DA issue on June 10, 2026. You Tube. https://www.youtube.com/@tillamookcounty1434
