Chris Horne has taken the reins as the top legal adviser to Clark County’s elected officials.
Clark County Prosecuting Attorney Tony Golik appointed Horne to the position of chief civil deputy prosecutor on July 1.
Horne replaces Bronson Potter, who left the county on July 1 for a post with the City of Vancouver.
Horne, 57, has served as a deputy prosecutor in the county prosecuting attorney’s office for 30 years, a span he says makes up nearly the entirety of his legal career.
Last week Horne spoke briefly on his new role, saying he was “ready” for the opportunity.
The most visible Horne will be during his tenure will be as counsel to the board of county commissioners. Commissioners often ask the staff of the prosecuting attorney’s office for advice on legal matters.
Horne already confers with elected officials on legal matters pertaining to their offices.
“The only thing that is different from Bronson and my position is that Bronson was more specialized in litigation, while I specialize more in land use,” Horne said.
The new job takes Horne’s salary from $124,044 to $130,332 per year.
Golik said Horne was “the obvious replacement” for the position.
“Bronson’s shoes are big shoes to fill, but Chris has been with the office 30 years and has tons of experience,” Golik said. “It was an easy decision, really, to select Chris Horne as the successor.”
Erik Hidle: 360-735-4542; http://twitter.com/col_clarkgov; erik.hidle@columbian.com.
