WILSONVILLE, Ore. — A Wilsonville Development Review Board (DRB) member has resigned after making inflammatory social media posts in the aftermath of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting, drawing condemnation from city leaders.
Mayor Condemns Remarks
At the Sept. 15 City Council meeting, Mayor Shawn O’Neil addressed the controversy directly, calling the comments unacceptable.
“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.”
Also Read
Offensive Social Media Posts
Following Kirk’s death, Clark Hildum, then a member of the Development Review Board, posted several controversial statements on Facebook. In one, he wrote:
“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.”
In another post, he suggested:
“They should give the shooter the presidential medal of freedom.”
The posts sparked swift backlash from community members and officials, who said celebrating political violence crossed a dangerous line.
City Response
The City of Wilsonville released a statement distancing itself from Hildum’s words.
“These disturbing comments do not reflect the sentiment of the City of Wilsonville,” the statement read. “The city condemns hate speech and the celebration of political violence, recognizing that these actions threaten the safety of every member of our community.”
About the Development Review Board
The DRB is a two-panel citizen board tasked with enforcing Wilsonville’s development code and comprehensive plan. Each panel consists of five members serving two-year terms. The board acts as a quasi-judicial body, reviewing development proposals and ensuring decisions meet legal and procedural fairness standards.
As part of its role, the DRB is expected to uphold the integrity and values of the city, making Hildum’s comments particularly concerning for both officials and residents.
Resignation and Aftermath
In the wake of the backlash, Hildum stepped down from his position on the board. His resignation was acknowledged by the city, which reiterated its commitment to fostering a safe and respectful community.
Mayor O’Neil emphasized that while individuals are entitled to personal views, public officials and board members are held to higher standards of conduct. “It’s critical that those serving our community lead with integrity and respect,” he said.
The resignation closes Hildum’s tenure on the Development Review Board, but city leaders noted that the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining civility in public discourse, especially in politically polarized times.
