OPINION: 43 days should not equal a four-year term

Doris Wehler’s argument against Measure 3-608 is that it will, “allow our current mayor another four years in office for a total of over 16 years.” This is false. Our current mayor will have served 12 years and 43 days if Measure 3-608 passes. She was appointed to fill Steve Hurst’s seat AFTER winning the election, just 43 days early, when he had to resign to take care of his school-aged children as his wife was dying.

Ms. Wehler also claims that people resigned and “then they appointed a like-minded replacement.” which “allowed the appointed person to run as an incumbent” giving them an advantage is also false.

I resigned early due to serious health issues and Richard Goddard, who had very different ideas and the complete support of Doris Wehler, was appointed to fill my seat. The truth is that councils try to get a good mix of ideas and experience when they have to make an appointment.

Our term limits need to be tweaked to continue to allow appointments. Occasionally, people need to resign and our City Council can’t function if it doesn’t have a quorum. Vote “Yes” on Measure 3-608 to fix this unintended consequence.

Michelle Labrie Ripple

Wilsonville