Redmond’s Shirtcliff seeks appointment to Huffman’s seat

Republican Mike Shirtcliff of Redmond, the CEO of Advantage Dental, announced Friday that he will seek appointment to fill the Oregon House District 59 legislative seat formerly occupied by John Huffman of The Dalles.

Huffman recently resigned to seek an appointment to the Department of Agriculture through the Trump administration.

“This is a great opportunity to take my extensive experience in health care, managing small and large businesses and really contribute to many of the critical policy debates that are currently happening in our state,” Shirtcliff said in a news release, the rest of which follows:

Shirtcliff, 73, helped found one of the most successful rural dental networks in the nation here in Oregon, focusing on serving people who lacked access to quality dental care.

Mike has extensive local government experience having served on the Deschutes County Planning Commission, Douglas County Budget Committee, and the City Council of Myrtle Creek.

His volunteer record is equally impressive, having volunteered with Northwest Medical Teams, Community Dental Clinic, and Central Oregon Community College.

“We are encouraged that someone with Mike’s background and experience is putting his hat in the ring for this position. If selected, Mike will be an outstanding addition to our caucus,” said Mike McLane of Powell Butte, the House Republican leader.