Lakeside Mayor Pushes for Unlawful Seat Removal

On May 8th Ms Julie Wilson was appointed by Lakeside city council members to fill a vacant council seat. At least one city counselor cited the need for diversity as a consideration in Ms Wilson appointment to the city council. Ms Wilson’s strong background as an objective adjudicator and policy analyst are valuable skills for her position.
However, Mayor Nelson is presently working with Lakeside’s City Attorney, Rich Rodeman, in an attempt to unlawfully remove Ms Wilson from her appointed position.
The morning following her appointment, Julie Wilson received a phone message from a temporary city employee who stated that she was calling on behalf of Mayor Nelson; that her appointment had been voided.
The two reasons for dismissal cited by the city are: that Ms Wilson did not have a majority of the votes, and that she was not a registered voter on Coos County at the time of the vote.
According to Lakeside City Charter, Ms Wilson had 10 days in which to change her registration status from another county to Coos County. She did so in 1 day. Further, at the May 8th city council meeting Ms Wilson did receive a majority of the votes. She was sworn in, seated, and voted on city matters.
Ms Wilson has attempted to contact Mayor Nelson but the mayor  is avoiding communication with her.
The foremost posted agenda item for the June 12 City Council Meeting was “Old Business Vacant Council Position.” Without communication with Mayor Nelson, Ms. Wilson found it necessary to hire local attorney Roger Gould to represent her. Attorney Gould sent Mayor Nelson and Lakeside City Hall a letter advising that Ms Wilson’s appointment was indeed lawful. In support of his legal argument Mr. Gould citied Oregon Supreme Court case law. He also pointed out many other flawed conclusions provided by the City Attorney, Mr. Rodeman. He concluded by stating that the City, Mayor Nelson, and any council member who refuses to recognize Ms Wilson’s position will be subject to further legal action.
Mayor Nelson has been repeatedly asked by citizens of Lakeside to drop his attempt to remove Ms Wilson from the council. Her appointment was cheered by many.
Mayor Nelson has moved to table Ms Wilson’s appointment until June 24th when an Executive Session has been unusually scheduled.