Woodland Mayor Todd Dinehart will consult with the Cowlitz County prosecutor regarding the potential removal of City Councilor Gabe Huston.
The decision announced Aug. 19 follows allegations that Huston misrepresented his residency status after moving out of his previous residence nearly four months prior.
During an Aug. 5 City Council meeting, Dinehart accused Huston of providing false information about his residence, stating he has stayed with his family outside Woodland for four months. Huston denied any wrongdoing, noting that although his family had moved outside Woodland, he had maintained his connection to the city by renting two rooms from friends following his move. He requested time from the council to reestablish himself in the town, pointing to his ongoing recovery from colon cancer and his doctor’s advice not to return to work yet. Dinehart attests both renters’ agreements are “bogus,” and no neighbors could attest he stayed in either home a single night.
The issue was revisited during the Aug. 19 council meeting. A few residents, including Monica Rehm, asked the council to allow Huston to retain his seat. Rehm argued that the rental agreements should suffice and urged the council to show leniency given Huston’s circumstances.
“Where is our compassion in this? Let’s just get him out, I guess,” Rehm remarked sarcastically.
Dinehart, however, maintained that city law is clear on the definition of residency, which requires a city councilor’s permanent residence to be within city limits. Although temporary stays outside Woodland are permitted under certain conditions, such as during a home remodel, maintaining a valid residence within the city is mandatory. The City Council held an executive session to consult with the city attorney on the matter. Council member Carol Rounds stressed the importance of legal compliance to avoid potential litigation.
“I will just say, I think we all have compassion here, but we have to do the right thing because if [this] item is voted on and there’s a tie, we could be sued, the city could be,” Rounds stated. “So I think we need to find out, and if he’s Ok, I’m great with it, but I think we need to let the mayor do his job.”
After a 20-minute closed session, the council voted 6-1 to allow Mayor Dinehart to discuss Huston’s removal with the Cowlitz County prosecutor. Huston himself voted with the majority, while Councilor Melissa Doughty voted in opposition.
“As an elected official, I am committed to reviewing all citizen complaints and concerns. Since April 6, the issue of Gabe’s residency has continuously been brought to my attention,” Dinehart stated in a message to the Reflector. “I am treating it as I do any other concern and have been diligently working to resolve it. As mayor, I take direction from council. They have directed me to follow through with the county prosecutor.”
Huston declined to comment following the Aug. 19 vote.
