CHAPTER VII
ELECTIONS
Sections:
Section 24 Councilors.
The term of a councilor in office when this charter is adopted is the term for which the councilor was elected. At each general election after the adoption, three councilors will be elected for four-year terms.
Section 25 Mayor.
The term of a mayor in office when this charter is adopted is the term for which the mayor was elected. At every other general election after the adoption, a mayor will be elected for a four year-term.
Section 26 State Law.
City elections must conform to state law except as this charter or ordinances provide otherwise. All elections for city offices must be nonpartisan.
Section 27 Qualifications.
(a) The mayor and each councilor must be qualified electors under state law, and reside within the city limits for at least one full year immediately prior to election or appointment to office.
(b) No person may be a candidate at a single election for more than one city office.
(c) Neither the mayor nor a councilor may be employed by the city.
(d) The council is the final judge of the election and qualifications of its members.
Section 28 Nominations.
The council must adopt an ordinance prescribing the manner for a person to be nominated to run for mayor or a city councilor position.
Section 29 Terms.
The term of a council member elected at a general election begins at the first council meeting of the year immediately after the election, and continues until the successor qualifies and assumes the office.
Section 30 Oath.
The mayor and each councilor must swear or affirm to faithfully perform the duties of the office and support the constitutions and laws of the United States and the State of Oregon.
Section 31 Vacancies.
The mayor or a council office becomes vacant:
(a) Upon the incumbent’s:
(1) Death,
(2) Adjudicated incompetence, or
(3) Recall from the office.
(b) Upon declaration by the council after the incumbent’s:
(1) Failure to qualify for the office within 10 days of the time the term of office is to begin,
(2) Absence from the city for 30 days without council consent, or from all council meetings within a 60-day period,
(3) Ceasing to reside inside the city limits,
(4) Ceasing to be a qualified elector under state law,
(5) Conviction of a public offense punishable by loss of liberty,
(6) Resignation from the office, or
(7) Removal under Section 33(h).
Section 32 Filling Vacancies.
A mayor or councilor vacancy will be filled by appointment by a majority of the remaining council members. The appointee’s term of office shall run from appointment until expiration of the term of office of the last person elected to that office. If a disability prevents a council member from attending council meetings or a member is absent from the city for an extended period of time, a majority of the council may appoint a councilor pro tem.