With the official resignation of John Gish as Washington County Attorney at Tuesday’s Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting, the board set 10 a.m. Friday, January 6 for a work session to consider the two options to fill the vacancy.  Gish had announced the change late Friday, December 30.

Gish’s last day in the office is January 29; he is leaving to be Assistant Attorney General for Victim Services.  He told the board it was a difficult decision to make, but the leadership position in the attorney general’s office was one “I could not pass up.”

He explained that the board has two options to fill the vacancy: by appointment or special election.  However, the state law requires it be filled within 30 days, which in this case is January 29. 

Gish, noting the time factor, suggested the board appoint an interim county attorney, specifically the one who had served when Gish was deployed on military service in the Middle East and who is still listed as a casual part-time county employee.  This individual could be a full-time acting assistant county attorney, effective January 16, which would provide for overlap before Gish leaves. 

In his new position, Gish will lead the site office that administers funding, training advocacy, outreach, and coordination of victim services and victim support throughout the state.  

In his Friday announcement, Gish noted, “As Washington County Attorney I have made it our office’s mission to focus on victims when considering what is just.”  He said he will bring “the same passion” to his new leadership position.

Board members expressed their appreciation to Gish for his service.  He had just been re-elected to a third term in November.