'Burbs perturbed

The remote region of Portlandia known as Clackistan is always good for entertainment. And it's got some high drama for our watching pleasure this holiday season.

Melissa Fireside, recently elected to the Clackamas County commission, is under a criminal investigation. The O reports (paywall, alas) that the allegations involve aggravated identity theft and aggravated first-degree theft, with an elderly victim. There's apparently been a search of Fireside's home in Lake Oswego. She hasn't been charged with any crime. So far.

I don't follow the 'Stan too closely, but from the voters' pamphlet I see that Fireside, with Democratic Party and union backing, unseated a commissioner named Mark Shull, whose candidate statement noted that he "Fought the Tolling scheme from day one. NO TOLLING-NO COMPRIMISE,” and ended with a hearty "GOD FAMILY COUNTRY."

Interestingly, Fireside's statement said she has a Ph.D. from Capella University. That's an online, for-profit institution with a checkered history of its own. Her campaign website and campaign Facebook page have both been taken down, which seems a little quick.

Something tells me this is going to get a lot more interesting before it's over. Fireside's swearing-in on the county commission is scheduled for next month. I've checked, and my popcorn supply is good.

UPDATE, 8:40 p.m.: Oh, it gets better and better. Now the very, very Democratic state Justice Department is taking over. Time to lift the edge of that big ol' Salem rug and start sweeping? I wouldn't be surprised.

UPDATE, early Tuesday: Then there's this. I don't quite know what to make of it.