Warrenton's Community Newspaper since 1978
by Gary Nevan
Warrenton has a new mayor.
In a surprising move Tuesday night, the Warrenton City Commission decided to appoint Dick Hellberg as the city's mayor for 2012, replacing Mark Kujala who has served as Warrenton's mayor for two years.
The vote was 3-2 with Kujala and Commissioner Frank Orrell voting to keep Kujala as the mayor. Commissioners Dick Hellberg, Terry Ferguson and Mark Baldwin voted to appoint Hellberg.
Unlike other cities in Clatsop County, Warrenton appoints their mayor instead of a vote by its residents.
By most accounts, Kujala had been a popular mayor who attended many functions and represented the city well.
Before the vote, Kujala made a case as to why he wanted to remain the mayor.
"I've enjoyed this year and would like to continue as your mayor," he said. "There is much more to being mayor than just the scheduled meetings."
He went on to list several of the recent meetings and functions he attended. He cited his Monday morning coffee meetings at City Hall and his regular weekly informational column in The Columbia Press.
"I will always be an advocate for transparency in government," he said.
Hellberg stated before the vote, "I think Mark has done a terrific job as mayor. He deserves a great deal of credit. I think there should be the argument that we all should take a turn (as mayor). Sometimes change happens."
After the votes were tallied, there was little discussion.
"I would like to see the mayor's position elected," said Baldwin.
Ferguson told Kujala, "There's no hard feelings, I hope. That's the way the ball bounces."
Orrell thanked Kujala for his service. "Mark, thanks for your service the past two years. You've done a great job."
The new mayor told the commission he appreciated their votes and asked Kujala for assistance in 2012.
"I'm really counting on you to help me out," he told Kujala. "I'll do the best job I'm able to.
Located at the mouth of the Columbia River, The Columbia Press is the independently-owned weekly newspaper for the city of Warrenton, Oregon. Since 1978, The Columbia Press has covered local community news and events throughout Warrenton, Hammond and Clatsop County. The Columbia Press is the official legal public notice publication for the City of Warrenton and the Warrenton-Hammond School District.
Gary Nevan, Publisher/Editor
E-mail: editor@thecolumbiapress.com
160B N.E. 5th Street P.O. Box 130 Warrenton, OR 97146
Phone: 503-861-3331
©2012 All contents are copyright.