February 11, 2020 10:30 a.m.
The former city recorder in Sutherlin is now a member of the city council.
Deputy City Recorder Melanie Masterfield told News Radio 1240 KQEN that Debbie Hamilton was selected to fill an open seat on Monday night.
Councilor Becky Wattles recently resigned as she is moving out of the area. Masterfield said Hamilton was selected after only a few minutes of discussion. An initial vote of the council led to a tie. On the second vote, Hamilton received four votes while Chuck Brummel had two votes. Hamilton was sworn in and took her seat to participate for the rest of the evening, according to Masterfield.
Hamilton worked for the city for 26 years and retired at the end of 2018, but remained as a contract employee. She will now have to resign that role. According to Masterfield, Hamilton worked in various positions during her time on staff. She was the city recorder from July of 2013 until June of 2018 when she became the senior city recorder.
Hamilton will finish out Wattles term which runs through the end of 2022.
Other candidates for the position were Brian Burke Sr., Deborah Burr, Jeremy Cornish, and Gary Dagel.