Camas mayor unexpectedly steps down from role
May 12, 2021
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CAMAS, Wash. (AP) The mayor of Camas, Washington, is stepping down after winning the position as a write-in candidate in October 2019.
Former Mayor Barry McDonnell released a statement Tuesday announcing his resignation from the position, effective immediately, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.
“Over the last few months, it has become clear to me that the needs of this Council, City and community are such that balancing a full-time job and family, while running the day-to-day operations as Mayor in our form of government is not sustainable for me,” he wrote.
McDonnell won the election against incumbent Mayor Shannon Turk after a monthlong write-in campaign. His term had been set to end in 2023. In his statement, McDonnell thanked staff and residents:
Camas mayor resigns effective immediately
Published: May 11, 2021, 6:14pm
Share: Barry McDonnell is pictured outside of the Camas Public Library on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019. (Alisha Jucevic/The Columbian)
Barry McDonnell, who was elected mayor of Camas after a whirlwind write-in campaign in 2019, announced Tuesday that he is stepping down to spend more time with his family.
“Over the last few months, it has become clear to me that the needs of this council, city and community are such that balancing a full-time job and family, while running the day-to-day operations as Mayor in our form of government is not sustainable for me,” McDonnell said in an emailed statement.
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Camas has initiated a two-year process of reviewing equity, diversity and inclusion in city government.
The city Council on Monday appointed councilmembers Greg Anderson, Ellen Burton and Bonnie Carter to an Equity Steering Group. The group will facilitate a series of conversations with city residents through June before presenting findings by Dec. 20.
Burton told the council that the process will involve reviews of hiring and staff diversity training and avoid duplicating initiatives created by the Camas School District.
“This is something that’s really important to the foundation of our community, making sure that Camas is a place that is welcoming for all citizens no matter what their aptitudes, what the color of their skin, what their income level and what their mental health might be,” Burton said. “We want to make sure that our policies and procedures are equitable across t