Junction City News Release

08/27/26

Junction City Council confirms employment offer to Benjamin West

The City Council for Junction City confirmed an employment offer to Ben West of Wilsonville, OR to serve as Junction City’s next City Administrator. The Council also authorized the Mayor and Council President to negotiate an employment agreement with West for later council adoption. The City Council made the initial offer on August 18, following a two-day interview process subject to completion of the background check. Council reviewed criminal history, civil litigation, verification of employment and education and reference checks to address this matter.

One issue that was reviewed in detail by the Council was an ethics complaint that had been filed in May regarding the employment of Ben West’s father in a temporary position by Clackamas County. By all accounts, Mr. West’s involvement leading to the complaint was an inquiry he made to the County Administrator about whether there were any job openings relating to his father’s skill set. There is no evidence that he had any further involvement in securing a job for his father. Mr. West was present at an executive session to directly answer any questions the Council had regarding his background and specifically the ethics complaint. In consultation with Junction City’s legal counsel and the City Administrator Pro Tem, Council agreed that the nature of this complaint would not have an impact on his suitability to fill this position.

Mayor Ken Wells stated: “It is important for the Council to do due diligence to understand the background of Mr. West to assure that he would be a good fit to fill the position of City Administrator. Following this review, the Council was comfortable with proceeding with negotiating an employment agreement with Ben.”

“I am genuinely eager to serve as the next City Administrator for Junction City and to become an integral part of this community,” stated West. “My enthusiasm runs deep, and I am confident we will work effectively together to address Junction City’s pressing issues.”

West is completing a four-year term as a County Commissioner in Clackamas County (pop. 421,000) and is a US Navy Reserve Lieutenant Registered Nurse. Ben also served as City Councilor for Wilsonville from 2019 to 2022.

West has taken the lead role in working through a variety of hurdles that led to a $44 million Recovery Campus and transitional housing project for Clackamas County which had groundbreaking ceremonies. He has worked closely with many officials and agencies in Oregon on various funding and policy issues for Clackamas County. In the Navy Reserves, he serves as a commissioned officer in a complex mission driven organization.

For further information contact:

Spencer Nebel, City Administrator Pro Tem snebel@ci.junction-city.or.us

Phone (541) 998-2153