The city of Aurora has a new mayor. Aurora City Councilor Brian Asher was sworn in as the city’s new mayor at Tuesday night’s regular council meeting. He replaces former Mayor Kris Sallee, who resigned last month, less than halfway through her first term.
The city accepted applications for several weeks after Sallee stepped down, but Asher was the only one to throw his hat into the ring. He had served as a councilor since he was appointed to that position in April of 2017. He was elected to a full term last November.
His other civic experience includes 22 years as a member of the board of directors for the Aurora Historical Society, as well as the Aurora Parks Committee and the McLoughlin Historical Society and Rose Farm.
The remaining councilors voted unanimously to appoint Asher to the mayor’s seat.
Sallee resigned her position almost immediately after presiding over the city’s chaotic Sept. 10 council meeting, in which City Recorder Scott Jorgensen shared a number of concerns and allegations, including that she harassed him on paternity leave and had overstepped her authority in dealing with various employees.
Sallee staunchly denied any wrongdoing, and countered with her belief that a “hostile” city staff and council had obstructed her efforts to serve the citizens of Aurora.
In filling one vacancy, the city of Aurora has created another, as Asher’s seat on the council is now open.. Applications are being accepted at Aurora City Hall now through Nov. 4 to serve the remaining term, which expires in January of 2023.
Interested applicants must be a registered voter who has resided within Aurora city limits for at least six months. Councilors will review applications (assuming there are more than one) and appoint a replacement at their next meeting on Nov. 12.
Letters of interest and resumes can also be emailed to Jorgensen at recorder@ci.aurora.or.us.
Photo courtesy the city of Aurora.
