Brian Quigley is again mayor of Stayton after recovering faster than expected from a health scare that prompted him to resign suddenly in September.
During the Dec. 16 meeting of the Stayton City Council, Quigley was unanimously appointed to serve the remainder of his original term, which expires at the end of 2026.
Before the vote Councilor David Patty said he was “looking forward to [Quigley] coming back.”
Quigley was sworn in that night and led the remainder of the meeting after Council President Steve Sims stepped aside as mayor pro tem.
Qugley thanked Sims for taking the reins and acknowledged the last few months had been a “trial by fire” for the council president.
“Thank you for stepping forward and leading the council in my absence,” said Quigley. “I appreciate that and I’m sure the community does as well.”
Quigley resigned suddenly Sept. 24 after a life-threatening medical emergency. He said at the time he expected to make a full recovery but needed to step back from the office of mayor to focus on his health.
During a workshop Nov. 18, the council decided to appoint Sims to fill the remainder of Quigley’s term and planned to vote on the matter Dec. 2. Sims, as council president, became mayor pro tem after Quigley stepped down.
During the public comment portion of the Dec. 2 meeting, citizen Quigley addressed the council and informed them he has made a speedier recovery than expected. He said he received a clean bill of health during a recent doctor’s visit and that his prior health scare “is now just part of my medical chart history.”
Quigley said, knowing what he knows now, he could have taken a medical leave of absence rather than resigning. At the time of his resignation he told Our Town his recovery might take at least a year.
Quigley told the council Dec. 2 he was interested in being appointed to his former position. He acknowledged the council had discretion to appoint any qualified resident and they were under no obligation to choose him.
The council unanimously supported bringing Quigley back as mayor, given he received 79% of the vote during the 2022 election and had served with distinction. They reached a consensus that night to reinstate Quigley and planned the official vote on the matter for Dec. 16.
