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Patridge resigns as Klamath DA and OLCC chairman Patridge Friday Mar 10, 2017 at 2:07 PM Mar 10, 2017 at 3:53 PM Herald and News KLAMATH FALLS — Rob Patridge has resigned as district attorney of Klamath County and as chairman of the Oregon Liquor Control Commissioner after accepting employment in the private sector, he said this week. He made the announcement to the Southern Oregon Tourism convention being held at the Running Y Ranch and Resort. He later confirmed it to the Herald and News. Patridge spoke on the marijuana industry to the tourism group. OLCC issued a press release confirming Patridge was resigning as chair effective Friday “to join the private sector.” When asked what company had hired him, Patridge declined to say, but said he will remain in Southern Oregon, his home. Patridge has maintained a home in Medford while serving as the Klamath County prosecutor. In addition to serving in several elected positions, he previously was legal counsel for Pacific Retirement Services, which operates numerous retirement communities, including Rogue Valley Manor. He ran for district attorney in Jackson County in 2012, but was defeated by Beth Heckert. As of Friday afternoon, Patridge had not returned phone calls made to him Thursday and Friday by the Mail Tribune. Patridge was appointed to the OLCC in October 2012 and appointed chairman of the commission in July 2013. He was appointed district attorney in Klamath County in 2013 by Gov. John Kitzhaber. Klamath County Commissioner Derrick DeGroot also confirmed Patridge has stepped down as DA and said the county expects a smooth transition under whomever is appointed to fill the position. DeGroot said deputy DAs are continuing to prosecute cases while the office is being managed by Melina Johnson, administrative assistant to the DA. In a press release, Patridge was quoted as saying his time with OLCC was a “highlight” of his public service career, which has included service as a deputy DA for Jackson County, Medford city councilor and state representative for Oregon’s sixth legislative district, which is centered in Medford.