Former Stayton Mayor Brian Quigly is expected to be appointed back to his previous office after he recovered faster than expected from a health scare that prompted his resignation in September.
The Stayton City Council plans to vote on Quigley’s appointment during their regular meeting Dec. 16 after Quigley informed them during their Dec. 2 meeting of his positive prognosis.
The first-term mayor and long-time former city councilor said he received a clean bill of health from his doctor, and said his prior health scare “is now just part of my medical chart history.”
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.
Council President Steve Sims has been acting mayor since, and during a work session Nov. 18 the council had made plans to appoint Sims to the remainder of Quigley’s term, which expires in 2026.
Quigley acknowledged Dec. 2 the council has discretion to choose any qualified resident to serve the remainder of his term. He said if he was not chosen he would continue serving the city in whatever capacity he could.
Quigley also acknowledged, knowing what he knows now, he could have taken a medical leave of absence rather than resigning. At the time of his resignation he said he expected his recovery could take as long as a year.
In response to Quigley’s announcement, the council said they supported appointing him back as mayor as he had been elected by a majority of voters, and because he served well before stepping down.
“Brian [Quigley] is the elected mayor,” said Sims . “I’m perfectly fine bringing him back into the fold, so I don’t have any issues with it at all.”
In a press release from the city Dec. 9, Sims said they are “thrilled to see Mayor Quigley in good health and eager to serve our city once again.”
“His dedication to the people of Stayton and his vision for our community remain unmatched,” said Sims. “We look forward to welcoming him back.”
The release quoted Quigley as saying he is “deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from the community and the City Council during my time of recovery.”
“I am now ready to pick up where I left off and work alongside our council members and residents to continue building a stronger, more vibrant Stayton,” said Quigley.
