WALDPORT — Voters in Waldport rejected recall efforts on all six council member seats in the city’s special election.

With 671 votes cast, 37.2% voter turnout, and approximately 95% of ballots counted by early Tuesday morning, the official results showed strong support for keeping the current city council in office.

Vote Counts

All six council members faced recall petitions centered on the same allegations from the recall petition organizers, including claims of misconduct in office, abuse of authority regarding a mayor removal case, fiscal mismanagement concerns, and violations of governmental separation of powers.

Campaign Positions by Council member

Greg Dunn (Position 1) Narrowest Re-election Margin: +64 votes

For the Recall: Allegations included acting in concert with five city council members to remove a lawfully elected mayor in violation of the Oregon Constitution, undermining judicial authority, condoning the city manager’s public criticism of the District Attorney, failing to respond to repeated public statements about city management concerns for over one year, dismissing multiple complaints without investigation, providing inadequate supervision of the city manager which allegedly resulted in delayed projects, fiscal mismanagement, and unfiled annual audits, violating separation of governmental powers by permitting the city manager to exceed delegated authority, and condoning retaliatory misuse of official position.

Dunn’s Defense: “Public service often requires making difficult decisions, differing opinions, and engaging in spirited debate.” Dunn highlighted his track record of accomplishments including new sidewalks, larger water tanks, sewer to the animal shelter, a playground, a dog park, and a paved walking track — all funded through grants. He noted that disagreement alone is not grounds for recall and defended himself against claims from what he described as “a small but vocal group aligned with the mayor” working to undermine the council. As Council President, Dunn emphasized his commitment to fighting misinformation and ensuring residents have accurate information about city issues.

Rick Booth (Position 2) +136 votes

Booth’s Background: First elected in November 2022 to complete a term, with earlier appointment in May 2021 following a vacancy.

Booth’s Defense: “I respectfully disagree with those allegations and believe they are without merit.” Booth stated he has been asked to resign rather than allow the recall process to move forward but will not step down due to pressure from individuals. He emphasized his commitment to respecting the democratic process and allowing voters to decide, asking residents for their support with a “NO” vote on the recall.

Susan Woodruff (Position 3) +131 votes

Woodruff’s Defense: “This recall, based on gross misinformation, seeks to remove all six councilors for not firing our city manager.” Woodruff listed accomplishments under current management including improved water system with increased storage capacity, extended sewer to Industrial Park, building a beautiful park, acquiring the Alsea Bay Interpretive Center from ODOT and City Hall from Umpqua Bank without cost, attracting Lincoln County’s Animal Shelter, and a no-more-borrowing policy with goal to pay off all debt by 2030 or before. She stated none of the alleged mismanagement is true and pledged to continue faithfully carrying out her oath of office.

Jayme Morris (Position 4) +123 votes

Morris’s Defense: “The difficult decisions regarding city leadership were never personal or malicious.” Morris stated the council acted transparently and in good faith following strict legal counsel. Addressing frustrations about project timelines and delayed audits, Morris said they are actively working through long-standing challenges to get projects back on track, improve fiscal transparency, and restore trust. He emphasized that official council actions must be guided by objective facts and fairness, not political division.

Michelle Severson (Position 5)  +147 votes

Severson’s Defense: “In a small town, disagreements can become highly visible and deeply personal. People will not always agree on difficult issues, but disagreement is not misconduct.” Severson argued that allegations stem from public decisions made through open meetings and council votes — not secret plots or wrongdoing. She highlighted positive work accomplished including a new playground, safer sidewalks for children, and important sewer and water infrastructure improvements. “Throughout my service on the City Council, I have approached every decision with honesty, integrity, and a genuine commitment to doing what is best for the community I love,” Severson said.

Jerry Townsend (Position 6) +106 votes

Townsend’s Defense: “I will not resign. I respect Waldport citizens and trust them to judge my performance as City Councilor.” Townsend stated he has followed city, state and federal law and honors a pledge made in each term. He defended the council’s removal of the mayor for willfully violating Waldport’s City Charter as an EQUAL method to the Oregon Constitution’s right of recall — citing ORS 260.715 that says a false statement in a recall petition can invalidate the recall itself.

Council member Greg Dunn faced the narrowest margin of re-election with a 64-point gap, while Council member Michelle Severson secured the strongest support with a 147-vote majority. All six council members received more “AGAINST Recall” votes than “FOR Recall” votes across every position.

The successful retention of the full council signals continued confidence in current leadership during a period of significant coastal community change.

The recall petition was organized around allegations that the six council members collectively engaged in misconduct regarding the mayor’s removal case, with critics claiming the council acted to protect their own interests over proper governance. However, voters across all positions rejected these claims by wide margins.

Election Results Release Schedule

First Report: July 13, 2026 at 8:00 PM

Second Report: July 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Third Report: July 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Fourth Report: July 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Final Unofficial Results: August 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Final Official Results: August 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM