WEST LINN, Ore. -- A political showdown continues to unfold in the Portland suburb of West Linn, where on Monday night the City Council voted it had no confidence in Mayor Patti Galle after she took her feud with a city manager to the state Attorney General and the FBI.
Residents, city leaders, the city manager - virtually everyone turned out for Monday night's public meeting - except the mayor herself, who was reportedly out of town. One West Linn council member, allied with Mayor Galle, also skipped the city meeting in protest of the no confidence vote.
The latest West Linn political intrigue stems from a spat between Galle, a first-term mayor, and City Manager Chris Jordan.
Galle, one year into her term, has accused Jordan of blocking an audit she requested of a city water project, according to city officials. Jordan has said he told Mayor Galle that he would perform the audit if requested by City Council.
"I take direction from a majority of the city council, that's how a council management form of government works," said Jordan. "It is not that the city manager takes direction from a member of the City Council. It's not something a city manager randomly changes or reviews without direction from the Council," he added.
On Jan. 29, Mayor Galle lodged a formal complaint with Attorney General John Kroger and the FBI, accusing Jordan of obstruction. Galle called for Jordan's resignation. She recently sent a letter to West Linn residents asking for their support in ousting Jordan, and gave out Attorney General Kroger's address in case they also wanted to file complaints. Read the e-mail
West Linn's residents have sounded off in online forums about the frivolous infighting. On Monday night, they showed up to chastise the mayor and council for the dramatics.
The city's police chief also went on record to berate her.
"We cannot have the mayor coming to City Hall to scream at (City Manager Jordan) and other staff members," said West Linn Police Chief Terry Timeus.
Tina Decker, a West Linn resident at the meeting, went further.
"Patti used to refer to me as her best friend, I know her well, she is no friend of West Linn any longer," she said.
Jordan has worked as West Linn city manager since 2005, according to the city website.
Prior to that, Jordan's resume lists a 10-year tenure as assistant city manager of Lake Oswego. He also listed a stint with the White House Office of Management and Budget, for nine years prior to his move to Oregon.
West Linn City Council President John Kovash defended Jordan's stewardship of the city.
"He's the glue that's holding the city together. He has the allegiance and good will of city employees," he added.
The public testimonials prompted a no-confidence vote in Mayor Galle.
Attempts were made by several KGW News reporters to reach Mayor Galle for comment on the e-mail and complaints. She declined public comment and did not return calls to respond to the no-confidence vote.
Contempt for city politics prompted one West Linn resident to petition for recall votes on three City Council members late last year. Mary Ann Mattecheck told The Oregonian that had gathered public support toward a recall but that political intimidation had stopped many from signing the petitions.
