D.A. Banta to retire, eyes Wesenberg as successor

Douglas County District Attorney Jack Banta announced this morning he will step down at the end of the fiscal year June 30.

“My health is good, no scandal,” Banta said. “I’ve been thinking about this for a while and want to spend more time with my family.”

At the same time, Banta announced he will recommend to Gov. Ted Kulongoski that Rick Wesenberg, the county’s chief deputy district attorney, be appointed to replace him.

Banta has served as district attorney since January 1989. He was appointed to replace William Lasswell when he became a District Court — now Circuit Court — judge.

Banta, 61, began working in the District Attorney’s Office in 1972. He left to open a private practice in 1977, before returning to the office in 1984. He served as chief deputy district attorney under Lasswell.

Wesenberg, 44, has worked in the District Attorney’s Office since 1992. Over the past decade, he has prosecuted some of the county’s most notorious cases.

“I want to be D.A. because I think I can make a difference,” said Wesenberg, who added that public safety is a high priority for the county.

The governor’s office will accept applications through sometime in April. Banta’s successor is expected to be appointed sometime in June. The person appointed will have to run for office again in November.



• You can reach reporter John Sowell at 957-4209 or by e-mail at jsowell@newsreview.info.