September 19, 2017 City of Jefferson Recall Election
Ballot Return Rate (PDF)
Final Official Sept 19, 2017 Cumulative Results (PDF)
Final Official Sept 19, 2017 Canvass Results (PDF)
The following Ballot Drop Sites are available for the September 19, 2017 Recall Election:
Jefferson Fire District
189 N Main St, Jefferson
Mon-Fri: 9 AM - 4 PM
Election Day: 9 AM to 8 PM
Marion County Clerk/Elections
555 Court St NE, Suite 2130, Salem
Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Election Day: 7 AM to 8 PM
City of Jefferson: Recall of Cyndie Hightower, Mayor, City of Jefferson
Petitioner's Statement: Hightower has failed to fulfill her duties as mayor through gross ignorance of public meeting procedures, filling the council's agenda with pet projects championed by her friends and husband, and disinterest in attending or participating in community events.
Hightower's interests as mayor have promoted her personal agenda. Hightower sought the advice of mayors serving communities entirely different than Jefferson - instead of experienced Jefferson public elected officials. Her inability to effectively lead public meetings through normal process has confused councilors and wasted time at public meetings.
Hightower sent messages to the city attorney without council oversight or consent. This circumvented processes in place to ensure transparency and reduce involous expensive legal costs to the city.
Hightower communicated with fellow council members outside of public meeting and discussed public meeting agenda topics; thus undermining the public hearings process, accountability, and transparency. Hightower's dedication to public input is further questioned by her changing of visitor rules without council consent; thus circumventing city charter rules. These rule changes have stifled a Jefferson tradition of council and public collaboration.
Statement of Justification: Mayor Hightower was elected by majority to restore the citizen's right to vote on annexations, oversee curb appeal, City Center rejuvenation, and reform the Comprehensive Plan to attract new businesses providing needed jobs and offset the growing tax burden.
From the beginning, the incumbent councilors and audience bullied, ridiculed, and laughed at the Mayor never supporting her while she brought new ideas to an old council. The wasted time came from councilors and audience not following meeting rules.
Hightower, as any wise new mayor, sought the Council of Government and the Mayors Coalition obtaining advice of mayors with deep experience in city activities.
As Mayor Hightower took position, she was left with a mess the prior councilors had left by choosing not to allow the people to vote on annexation. Answers were sought through the city attorney according to Council rules.
Mayor Hightower followed communications rules and public hearings process according to Municipal Code and Resolution 882 which has been in effect for nearly 10 years.
In lieu of all the negative dialogue projected toward her, the Mayor still stands for the citizens who voted for her and continues to represent their voice as Mayor. She will not resign.
