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Recalled Ore. mayor who posed in racy photo defends herself

07:09 AM PST on Wednesday, February 27, 2008

By KGW and AP Staff

Video: Mayor defends photos

ARLINGTON, Ore. -- The mayor of an Oregon town who once stripped to her underwear and posed on a fire truck has been stripped of her office, but says she wouldn't change a thing.

Voters in Arlington, population about 500, voted narrowly on Monday night to recall Carmen Kontur-Gronquist.

The tally was 142-139. City officials said the recall is effective Tuesday.

MySpace

This is the photo from her MySpace page.

"I wouldn't change anything. I wouldn't. It is what it is. I'm proud of myself for doing what I did...for hanging in there," Kontur-Gronquist said.

 Poll: Agree with recall decision?

 Comment: Your thoughts on controversy?

She'll sell signed posters of her infamous picture on eBay, with proceeds going to help the local health department.

Kontur-Gronquist said the pictures of her in black bra and panties on her MySpace page were taken for use in a contest about fitness, but a relative posted them online in hopes it would improve the social life of the single mother.

They predated her election, but she said she saw no reason to take them off the popular Web site once elected three years ago. Later, she closed access to them.

 Background: Mayor refused to resign

Mayor's lingerie a hot topic

Photo appeared on MySpace

Opponents said it wasn't fitting for the mayor to be so depicted. They said they also disagreed with her on issues about water and the local golf course.

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