Depoe Bay Mayor’s Attempt to Oust Political Rival Cost City $2,142
Depoe Bay Mayor A.J. Mattila tried twice earlier this year to oust political rival Skip Hoitink from the council over residency issues. A public records request revealed the issue cost the city $2,142 in legal fees. (Photo by Larry Coonrod)
By Larry Coonrod
DEPOE BAY— Recently released city records show Mayor A.J. Mattila’s two unsuccessful attempts to oust political foe Skip Hoitink from the city council cost Depoe Bay more than $2,000 in legal fees.
Hoitink and Mattila have frequently disagreed on issues since the mayor’s election in 2012. Mattila tried to unseat Hoitink in January of this year over his residency status after learning that the longtime Depoe Bay resident maintains a second home in Newport.
Residency Laws Clear
Hoitink lists his Depoe Bay address on his driver’s license and voter registration and spends half his time there. Lincoln County Clerk Dana Jenkins says Oregon law emphatically states that property owners with multiple homes can choose their residence for voting purposes, regardless of how much time they spend at each place.
"We have investigated things like that in the past, and if it can be determined that they spend any time at the residence they're registered at, then we have to say it's OK," Jenkins said.
Depoe Bay’s legal counsel also advised the mayor against attempting to declare Hoitink’s council seat vacant. However, Mattila led a majority vote to do just that on Jan. 7, 2014 with the support of first-term councilors, Zeke Olsen, Robert Gambino and Brent Berry. Hoitink shrugged off the vote and took his seat at the next council meeting. In May, Mattila forced another vote on the matter.
Second Vote Fails
The mayor and his three cohorts faced a barrage of criticism and threats of recall from a standing room only crowd of angry citizens before the second vote.
“From my perspective, the matter in which it is being handled appears to be an act of vengeance and not a deliberative process that befits the city council,” said Depoe Bay resident John O’Brien.
Mattila’s second attempt to push out Hoitink failed when Berry switched his vote, calling the months-long affair “stupid” and apologizing for voting with the mayor the first time.
“I’ve talked to a lot of people and I have to agree that the people of Depoe Bay want Skip, and we should respect that. I might make a lot enemies, but so be it,” Berry said.
Bill Comes Due
A public records request for city attorney billing records revealed that the attempt to declare Hoitink’s council seat vacant cost taxpayers $2,142.
Rivals Headed for November Ballot Showdown
Hoitink is now seeking to oust Mattila by challenging him in the fall election for mayor.
According to Depoe Bay City Recorder Pery Murray, Hoitink has turned in enough verified voter signatures to qualify for the Nov. 4 mayor election.
Murray said she has certified Mattila to collect signatures, but as of Aug. 20, he had not turned in a completed packet. The deadline for filing is 5 p.m. Aug. 26.
Contact reporter Larry Coonrod by emailing editor@lincolncountydispatch.com
