Oregon city seeks recall of mayor, husband

UNION, Ore. – Some residents in this Eastern Oregon city are seeking the recall of Mayor Deborah Clark and her husband, Councilman Roger Clark, because of a decision to sell land near a golf course.

The petitioners, who need to gather at least 132 valid signatures to put the recall on the ballot in this city of 1,960, also claim the mayor and her husband are rude.

The petitions were filed last week, said Nellie Bogue Hibbert, the Union County clerk. The chief petitioner in the mayoral recall is Barbara James. Richard Middleton is the chief petitioner against Roger Clark.

The recall of Deborah Clark centers on a decision to sell a three-acre parcel of land adjacent to Buffalo Peak Golf Course.

The petition claims the sale created needless taxpayer debt of $80,000.

The petition also charges that the mayor lied to the public about the property buyer threatening to sue the city if the deal didn’t go through.

There are additional allegations that Deborah Clark has been rude, has usurped the powers of the city recorder and has broken open-meetings laws by deciding city affairs out of the public view.

Complaints against Roger Clark allege the councilman has been disrespectful to residents and city employees.

Petitioners also claim he has allowed council members to meet in his place of business, a violation of city charter.

Roger Clark told the (La Grande) Observer on Monday that he had no comment. His wife could not be reached for comment.