TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mayor Chris Hoy
SUBJECT:
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Motion from Mayor Chris Hoy regarding compliance with Section 62 of the Salem Charter.
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
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MOTION:
I move that City Council publicly censure Councilors Julie Hoy and Deanna Gwyn for their failure to recuse themselves under Section 62 of the Salem Charter during a land use public hearing that occurred on October 14, 2024.
DISCUSSION:
When a participant at a public hearing, where any participant will receive a pecuniary benefit, has made a campaign contribution of more than $501 to a member of Council, Section 62 of the Salem Charter requires that member of Council announce that contribution at the hearing and recuse themselves from participating in the hearing if, in the mind of a reasonable person, their participation would create the appearance of bias or impropriety in the mind of a reasonable person.
At the October 14, 2024 City Council meeting, Council held a public hearing where the applicant and property owner was Creekside LLC. The principle of Creekside, LLC is Larry Tokarski, through his company Mountain West Investments. Mr. Tokarski made campaign contributions over $501 to both Councilors Hoy and Gwyn for the most recent election.
As elected officials, we have sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution and the City Charter. We do not get to pick and choose which of those laws we follow. Faith in our laws and institutions of government is paramount. The City Charter is the foundation of our city government and must be honored by its election officials.
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Attachments:
None