Damascus, Oregon is a small city located in Clackamas County, just 16 miles east of Portland. With a population of around 10,000 people, it may seem like a peaceful and quiet community. However, like any other city, Damascus has its fair share of ongoing disputes and controversies within its city government.
The City of Damascus
The city of Damascus was incorporated in 2004, making it one of the newest cities in Oregon. It was formed by the merging of several unincorporated communities, including Damascus, Carver, and Boring.The city is governed by a mayor and a city council, with the mayor serving as the head of the city government. One of the main sources of controversy in Damascus is its unique form of government. Unlike most cities in Oregon, Damascus operates under a strong mayor system, where the mayor has significant executive powers. This has led to power struggles and conflicts between the mayor and the city council.
The Ongoing Dispute: Mayor vs City Council
Since its incorporation, Damascus has had a history of tension between the mayor and the city council. In 2016, Mayor Steve Spinnett was recalled by voters due to allegations of misconduct and abuse of power.This led to a special election where current Mayor Diana Helm was elected. However, the tension between the mayor and the city council did not end with Spinnett's recall. In fact, it only seemed to intensify with Helm's election. The city council has accused Helm of overstepping her authority and making decisions without their input. On the other hand, Helm has accused the city council of obstructing her efforts to improve the city. One of the main points of contention between the mayor and the city council is the city's budget.
The city council has accused Helm of mismanaging funds and making unilateral decisions regarding the budget. In response, Helm has accused the city council of not providing enough support and resources for her to effectively govern the city.
The Controversy: Urban Growth Boundary Expansion
Another ongoing controversy in Damascus is the expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). The UGB is a line that separates urban areas from rural areas and is used to control urban growth. In 2016, the city council voted to expand the UGB, which would allow for more development in Damascus. However, this decision was met with opposition from some residents who were concerned about the impact on the city's small-town feel and natural environment.They argued that expanding the UGB would lead to increased traffic, pollution, and loss of green space. On the other hand, supporters of the expansion argued that it would bring economic growth and development to the city. The controversy over the UGB expansion has also highlighted the divide between the mayor and the city council. While Mayor Helm supported the expansion, the city council opposed it. This has led to further tension and disagreements between them.
The Impact on Damascus Residents
With ongoing disputes and controversies within its city government, it's no surprise that Damascus residents have been affected.The constant power struggles and conflicts have led to a lack of progress in addressing important issues in the city. One of the main concerns for residents is the lack of infrastructure in Damascus. Many roads are in poor condition, and there is a lack of public transportation options. The ongoing disputes within the city government have made it difficult to address these issues and find solutions. Furthermore, the tension between the mayor and the city council has also affected the city's sense of community. Many residents feel divided and frustrated with the constant conflicts and lack of progress.
This has led to a decline in trust in the city government and a sense of disunity among residents.
The Future of Governance in Damascus
As of now, there seems to be no end in sight for the ongoing disputes and controversies within the city government of Damascus. The power struggles between the mayor and the city council have hindered progress and caused division among residents. However, there is hope for a better future. In 2020, there will be a special election for a new mayor and city council members. This could potentially bring about a change in leadership and a fresh start for Damascus. In conclusion, governance in Damascus, Oregon is currently facing ongoing disputes and controversies within its city government.The unique form of government, power struggles between the mayor and the city council, and controversial decisions such as the UGB expansion have all contributed to this situation. As residents wait for the upcoming election, only time will tell what the future holds for governance in Damascus.
