Former Douglas County prosecutor Edgar appointed to fill vacancy

WATERVILLE — Former Douglas County Prosecuting Attorney Walter Gordon Edgar will return to the office Oct. 1, beginning a temporary appointment that could be followed by two more appointments as the county navigates an unusual election-year vacancy.

The county Board of Commissioners announced Edgar’s appointment Sept. 29 to replace Sean Lewis, whose resignation takes effect Sept. 30. Lewis remains the only candidate listed on the November general election ballot.

Edgar previously served two elected terms as Douglas County’s prosecuting attorney and currently serves as a judge pro tem for Douglas County District Court. His appointment runs through Nov. 24, when the election is certified.

Clerk of the Board Carlye Baity said commissioners would then need to make another interim appointment to cover the period through Jan. 1.

“The election will be certified on November 24th. The board will then need to again appoint an interim prosecutor for until Jan. 1st,” Baity wrote in an email responding to questions about the appointment timeline. “It really depends on what happens with the election at that point.”

Although Lewis has resigned, Baity said his continued presence on the ballot leaves open the possibility that he could return to office if elected, a scenario she described as unlikely. A write-in candidate could also win the election, she said.

If the office remains vacant, Baity said the Central Committee would need to submit three names to commissioners for an appointment lasting until another election is held.

The board’s announcement anticipates consideration of an interim appointment in early 2027 but does not identify who would serve between certification and Jan. 1 or whether Edgar might be reappointed.

Commissioners said Edgar’s experience would provide continuity during the transition.

“We’re grateful that Mr. Edgar has agreed to accept the Board of County Commissioner’s appointment as County Prosecuting Attorney,” the board said in a joint statement.

“Given his years of service and effective leadership as our former Prosecuting Attorney, Mr. Edgar will lend immediate leadership, added depth and continuity to the Douglas County Prosecutor’s Office while providing additional time for the Central Committee to provide the Commissioners with nominations for interim appointment consideration in early 2027.”

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media