Lincoln County Judge Temporarily Reinstates Waldport Mayor Heide Lambert Amid Controversy
WALDPORT, OR – In a dramatic turn of events, Lincoln County Circuit Court Judge Sheryl Bachart has temporarily reinstated Waldport Mayor Heide Lambert following her recent expulsion from office by the City Council. Lambert, who was removed in a vote on April 3, filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming her ousting was unconstitutional. Just one week after her removal, she was arrested for attending a City Council meeting.
The judge nullified the Council’s decision pending a review of the proceedings and the city charter, following a 24-hour period where Lambert defended her position in court. Following Lambert’s arrest, Lincoln County District Attorney Jenna Wallace opted not to pursue disorderly conduct charges, stating that the meeting’s safety could not be guaranteed, prompting the city to cancel its scheduled session.
On the same day as the reinstatement, the judge also paused an exclusionary notice that had barred Lambert from City Hall, warning her of potential trespassing charges if violated. Lambert expressed gratitude for the ruling, stating it renewed her faith in the democratic process.
City Manager Dann Cutter acknowledged the community uproar surrounding the situation and expressed relief that legal proceedings had been initiated. "The city is relieved that this is finally in front of the courts where it should be," Cutter remarked.
The turmoil in this small Oregon coastal town highlights ongoing conflicts between Lambert and the City Council, against a backdrop of evolving local governance dynamics. Further legal discussions are anticipated as the case unfolds in the coming weeks.
— Aimee Green, OregonLive.com
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