Junction City’s New Admin Amid Ethics Probe | Portland News

Junction City is set to welcome a triple-threat new administrator: Ben West, a Navy Reserve lieutenant, nurse, and former Wilsonville council member who just lost his reelection bid. Despite that setback, the City Council voted unanimously for him — pending a background check — citing his community ties and leadership skills as vital for tackling wastewater upgrades and downtown revitalization. But there’s a twist: West is under ethics investigation for allegedly helping his father land a county job, though his lawyer says hiring authority rests with the county administrator, not commissioners. The city’s interim admin, Spencer Nebel, confirms West accepted the role, and the council will review final background details next week. With a salary range of $145K–$165K and potential part-time work to finish his commissioner term, West emerged from a pool of 25 candidates — and the mayor’s already calling him a game-changer. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4a1ac9abe9c8d594