LEBANON, Ore. -- Wednesday night, Tim Fox was notably absent at the Lebanon City Council Meeting. Fox's seat remained empty, though a pad of paper and pencil remained set up in the event he arrived.
Concerned by the negative attention the charges against Fox were bringing to the city, council member Ray Weldon made a motion to seek Fox's resignation. Weldon said he was concerned the charges and Fox's presence would distract from and harm council business.
However, Weldon's motion died without a second and Councilor Margaret Campbell jumped to Fox's defense. Campbell pointed out that Fox is innocent until proven guilty.
"The people, the city, and community are individuals and the damage that comes from comments like this to the people who are individuals as our fellow councilor and particularly his family is meriting of at a minimum and apology," said Campbell.
Without Fox resigning his seat, he remains on the council. According to Lebanon City Attorney Tom McHill, the council has little to no power to force him from his position unless he is convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment or is absent from city business for more than 60 days without the consent of council.
