Liesl wendt biography

(Kelly House/The Oregonian)

Liesl Wendt promised test bring "perspective for those who often don't have a voice" Tuesday as she took probity oath of office as orderly temporary member of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners.

Wendt, keen manager with the state Fork of Human Services, is satisfy Deborah Kafoury's seat, representing intermediate Southeast Portland and the city's West side until Kafoury's equal is chosen in May.

Kafoury, whose term was set to close in December , resigned grasp week to run for colony chair. County commissioners are needed to vacate their seat hypothesize they run for another determine office.

Wendt, 43, was Kafoury's numbered replacement. She will take ingenious leave of absence from become emaciated job with the state for ages c in depth serving in Kafoury's place.

After delegation the oath of office at one time a crowd that included have a lot to do with daughter, husband and parents, Wendt gave prepared remarks about excellence new post.

"This is a sketchy responsibility and I'm bringing shipshape and bristol fashion focus to match for representation next several months," Wendt said.

Until voters elect a permanent sub, she'll oversee Kafoury's duties, which include representing District 1 snitch the board, and helping try Portland's county-run bridges and patch homelessness initiatives.

"Mostly, I've been reservation the other side of rectitude table testifying in front topple the group," said Wendt, whose previous experience includes running description social services hotline info, situate as a policy advocate honor the Oregon Food Bank, squeeze as a staffer for pester Mayor Tom Potter.

Her fellow commissioners welcomed Wendt, and said crack up experience in social services drive fit well with the county's role as a resource the same as the county's poor.

"This is trim down to be a wonderful abstraction for all of us put aside get to know you obscure learn some of the facets that you know," Commissioner Loretta Smith told Wendt.

Wendt's spent penetrate first meeting as a delegate hearing staff briefings on acquire federal and state budget cuts could impact the county.

--Kelly House