Just one day after an election that featured no contested races for three vacant seats on the Philomath City Council, Matt Lehman submitted a letter of resignation with the announcement that he had accepted a new job that would create a conflict of interest when it comes to his service to the city.
Now, Philomath will need to find another citizen within its borders willing to volunteer for the position, which has a term that expires at the end of 2026. Those interested have until Dec. 30 to submit an application.
Lehman said he accepted a position with the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments, an organization that collaborates with communities to solve problems and connects them with local, state and federal programs.
“I have greatly enjoyed my time on the council and fortunately will be able to continue working with the city in my new role,” Lehman wrote in his resignation letter, which was sent Nov. 6 via email.
Lehman’s final city-related task appeared to be a reading of the city’s Veterans Day proclamation during last weekend’s Paul J. Cochran Veterans Memorial Park ribbon-cutting celebration.
“He’s got a new career opportunity and we’ll probably see Matt in other forums, which is great news,” Assistant City Manager Chelsea Starner said during Tuesday’s council meeting. “He’s not going away, just changing roles.”
Lehman was himself appointed to the City Council in December 2019 to finish out the term of Marion Dark, who had moved out of the city. He was sworn in the following month and then in 2022, he was elected to a four-year term.
Diane Crocker, Spencer Irwin and Brent Kaseman were elected to the council during the recent general election. In addition, current councilor Christopher McMorran was elected mayor to replace Chas Jones. The mayor also has a seat on the council.
With two full years remaining on Lehman’s term, Councilor Jessica Andrade questioned during the meeting whether the seat could be put on the ballot for an upcoming election. City Recorder Ruth Post said that type of action would require a change to the city charter, which outlines the process for the council to fill vacancies.
Quoting the city charter language, Post said it clearly states that “filling a vacancy is a duty of the remaining members of the council.”
The council through a press release thanked Lehman for his service to the city and congratulated him on the new job.
Citizens interested in applying for the seat are encouraged to visit the city’s website or contact City Recorder Crystal Weber for more information or to receive an application. Weber can be reached at City Hall (980 Applegate St.) or via phone at 541-929-6148, option 5.
To be eligible for the position, applicants must have lived in the Philomath city limits for the 12 months prior to the appointment and cannot be an officer or employee of the city. The applicant also must be qualified to vote in elections.
With the application deadline of Dec. 30, the council would then plan to make the appointment at its Jan. 13 meeting.
