County Officials Sworn In for 2011

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Duyck, Malinowski, Terry Take Oaths for Four-Year Terms; Hutzler Sworn In as Auditor

Washington County Chairman Andy Duyck and Commissioners Greg Malinowski and Bob Terry were sworn into office Tuesday as part of a ceremony to start their four-year terms. The county's new auditor, John Hutzler, was also sworn in for a four-year term. The four elected officials marked the occasion with brief comments on their past accomplishments and their hopes for the future.

Duyck took the oath of office to represent the entire county as chairman of Washington County's five-member governing board. He assumes the new office after having served for 16 years as the county's District 4 commissioner. Duyck founded Duyck Machine, Inc., 27 years ago to manufacture metal and plastic components that are marketed throughout the country.  

"This really is a very exciting day. It has been 16 years since we have seen this kind of turnover on the Board of Commissioners," said Duyck, after Washington County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Kirsten Thompson administered the oath. "There is no county in the state of Oregon that I'd rather be a part of than Washington County. Washington County has been very well run. We have an excellent staff, I would say they have the highest professionalism."

Malinowski was sworn in to serve Commissioner District 2 in the county's northeastern corner, including Cedar Mill, Cedar Hills, Raleigh Hills, Rock Creek and portions of Beaverton and Hillsboro. Malinowski and his family manage 60 acres of farmland growing organic hay and beef between Washington County's Bethany area and Portland's Forest Park.

"I want to thank all the supporters and folks who helped me through this. I want to thank you for this opportunity to serve," said Malinowski. "I've had 30 years of background in the manufacturing environment, handling quality control and also inventory control. I understand the importance of not spending more than you've got and trying to make sure you don't make promises you can't keep." 

Terry took the oath of office to serve Commissioner District 4 representing much of the rural area of Washington County, including Banks, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro and North Plains. Since 1996, Terry has owned Fisher Farms, a regional provider of value-added nursery stock employing over 200 people and based in rural Washington County.

"This is a real privilege and something I didn't think I would ever really be doing, running for an office," said Terry, after Washington County Sheriff Rob Gordon administered the oath. "I want to thank all of those who did support me and the community support. I really take my oath very seriously, and I will do my best. And I will continue to move our county forward."

Hutzler was sworn in as the second auditor ever elected to that office under the current version of the County's home-rule Charter. Hutzler has worked in the Washington County Administrative Office, Multnomah County, City of Portland and several state agencies.

"The public has every right to expect that government will use its tax dollars efficiently and effectively to provide essential services," said Hutzler, after the oath of office was administered by Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown, whose responsibilities include oversight of the Oregon Audits Division. "The auditor's role is to examine government programs, to report to county commissioners and to the public on program performance, to recommend improvements to county administration, and to follow up and report to the public on whether improvements are implemented. I look forward to serving the citizens of Washington County in my new role."

The three commissioners help compose a five-member board led by a chairperson who is elected countywide. The board sets county policy and gives direction to a professional county administrator and departmental staff. Washington County has 1,786 full-time-equivalent employees, an annual operating budget of $385.6 million and a total annual budget of $679.6 million.

The board of county commissioners also serves as the board of directors of Clean Water Services, a public utility committed to protecting water resources in the Tualatin River Watershed.

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