By Mary Owen
Stayton insurance agent Jack Fiske has stepped up to run for mayor after his efforts to recall Councilor James Lofus failed.
Fiske started the recall effort after city officials bristled at the manner in which Loftus spoke out at several city council meetings during the year.
“I’m disappointed the recall didn’t happen,” Fiske said.
The effort failed for several reasons, he said, including inclement weather and needing more help to gather signatures.
“There were enough signatures to be had, but for a multitude of reasons it didn’t happen,” Fiske said.
If elected mayor, Fiske said he would “inherit Councilor Loftus, but I won’t put up with any shenanigans.”
Loftus offered no comment.
Fiske said he plans to lead a unified city council by asking councilors to do their “homework.”
“They need to read their packets ahead of the meetings,” he said. “I’m not going to sit there and start from scratch. They won’t be asking too many questions at the meetings. I won’t allow it.”
Gerry Aboud, who has decided not to run for re-election after serving eight years as Stayton’s mayor, was not happy with disruptions at city council meetings.
“The last two years have been a challenge for myself, the staff and a majority of the council because of having to deal with two very disruptive council members,” he said, “which because of their actions and behavior have cost the city a great deal of wasted staff time and a great deal of tax money because of attorney fees.”
Aboud named Councilor Steve Frank as doing his “work” with staff, rather than council to “get the job done.”
“Steve is all over the board when it comes to making decisions,” Aboud said. “While not causing the types of disturbances at council meetings that James does, he is in fact a distraction that is evident to all that deal with him.”
Councilor Frank chose not to respond to Aboud’s allegations, but instead, said he stands by his record.
Aboud said now is the time for a new, younger perspective to deal with issues the city has grappled with over the years.
“It appears to me that so many people are now running for the council and the mayor’s positions because they want to do what they can to negate those two views that currently exist on the council,” he said.
“I commend them for stepping forward,” he added.
Running for mayor against Fiske are Scott Vigil, a three-year veteran on city council, and Alan Roth, a general contractor. Council candidates for three open seats are: Cory Dent, Mark Doucette, Larry Emery, Hank Porter, Brian Quigley, Shannon Tureck and incumbents Steve Frank and Don Walters.
As of Aug. 24:
Lyons City Council candidates:
Doug Morgan is running for mayor, and Troy Donahue, Ed Jones, current mayor Mike Lucas and incumbent Lon Conner for city council. Three council seats are open.
Sublimity City Council candidates:
Gene Ditter is running unopposed to keep the mayor’s seat. As of Aug. 24 no one had applied for the two council seats currently held by Gary Rychard and Bob Brundage.
Aumsville City Council candidates:
Incumbent Harold White will seek another term as mayor. Lori Walters, Kim Ferguson and incumbents Robert Baugh Jr., and David Drews will seek the three open council seats.
Closing date for filing in Aumsville and Sublimity was Aug. 27. Our Town will publish the names of candidates who file by the deadline. The final lists weren’t available as of press time.
