Wilsonville city leaders are distancing themselves from a former board member whose inflammatory remarks on social media about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk drew swift backlash.
Mayor Condemns “Disturbing” Remarks
During the City Council meeting on Monday, Sept. 15, Wilsonville Mayor Shawn O’Neil addressed the comments made by Development Review Board (DRB) member Clark Hildum, calling them an embarrassment to the city.
“Words matter. They can either heal or divide, calm or inflame,” O’Neil said. “On behalf of the City Council, I want to apologize for Clark Hildum’s conduct on DRB making those social media statements. It’s an embarrassment to the city.”
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The remarks, posted to Facebook in the aftermath of Kirk’s shooting, sparked outrage among residents and public officials alike.
The Posts That Sparked Outrage
Hildum’s posts included several comments condemning both Kirk and former President Donald Trump. One read:
“You have got to be kidding! The only person less Christian like than Charlie Kirk is Donald Trump. This country has no room for racist bigots like Kirk and Trump. When people go to church they should give thanks that Kirk is no longer with us.”
Another post went further, stating:
“They should give the shooter the presidential medal of freedom.”
The comments quickly circulated online, leading to widespread criticism and calls for Hildum’s resignation.
The Role of the Development Review Board
The Development Review Board in Wilsonville is a citizen-led, two-panel body tasked with enforcing the city’s development code and comprehensive plan. Each panel consists of five members who serve two-year terms.
The board acts as a quasi-judicial body, ensuring legal and procedural fairness in reviewing development proposals and shaping policy. Members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and impartial manner, reflecting the city’s values in both their official duties and public engagement.
City Response and Resignation
In an official statement, the City of Wilsonville condemned Hildum’s remarks, emphasizing that his words did not represent the views of the city or its leadership.
“These disturbing comments do not reflect the sentiment of the City of Wilsonville, which condemns hate speech and the celebration of political violence, recognizing that these actions threaten the safety of every member of our community,” the statement read.
Following mounting pressure, Hildum submitted his resignation from the Development Review Board. His departure was confirmed shortly after the City Council addressed the controversy.
Balancing Free Speech and Public Responsibility
The incident has sparked conversation within Wilsonville about the responsibilities of public officials and appointed board members when expressing personal opinions online. While Hildum was not an elected official, his role carried the expectation of professionalism and impartiality.
City leaders stressed that while individuals are entitled to their personal views, public service requires a higher standard of conduct—especially when it comes to sensitive issues like political violence.
Moving Forward
With Hildum’s resignation, the city will begin the process of appointing a replacement to the Development Review Board. In the meantime, officials are hoping to shift the focus back to city business and reaffirm community standards.
Mayor O’Neil closed his remarks by underscoring the importance of unity: “We must ensure that our city remains a place where differences can be expressed respectfully and without hate. Words have power, and as leaders, we have a responsibility to use them wisely.”
The controversy serves as a reminder of the weight carried by public statements—especially in a politically charged climate—where a single post can ripple far beyond personal expression and into the community’s trust in its institutions.
