Talent, Ore. — Talent Councilwoman Darby Stricker said she had no idea she was violating city code, running for office while holding a government seat.
This was brought to light after Mayor Bill Cecil says before Wednesday night’s meeting, he was informed that Stricker was violating a city charter.
The charter states if an elected official chooses to run for a different office, the city manager must receive the candidates resignation when the petition for office becomes available.
Stricker said she wasn’t aware of this specific charter before the meeting and does not understand why she wasn’t told this back in July when she filed for her candidacy.
Talent Mayor Cecil says until Wedneday, he was also unaware of the charter.
“I did review the council section and the election section and saw nothing in there regarding this particular charter rule until it was presented to me last night,” said Stricker.
“Everybody that runs for this office gets an election packet that includes the city charter and all the things you have to do but realistically I was not aware of that,” said Mayor Cecil.
The city says Stricker could’ve stayed on the board until the end of the calendar year and only needed to put in her resignation
Stricker, who has been active in city politics for nearly 14 years, says she still plans on running for mayor against current Mayor Bill Cecil.
The city now has an opening for a city council member. They are hoping to have that spot filled by the middle of next month.
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