Statement from December 2024

 

Although the Umatilla City Charter states that the "Mayor serves as the political head of the city government," the City Council has sought to silence me since my second month in office when I began asking questions and expressing opinions that differ from theirs. 

 

In February 2023, after I raised concerns about the City’s plan to source drinking water from the Columbia River downstream of the Hanford nuclear clean-up site, the Council added an agenda item accusing me of taking up too much time asking questions. Since then, their efforts to restrict my speech and diminish my mayoral duties have only escalated.

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I did not forfeit my First Amendment right to free speech when I was elected to public office. Asking tough questions, promoting transparency, and advocating for accountability are not just my duties as Mayor—they are what I promised voters when I ran for office, and they are also my right as a citizen. Yet even basic efforts, such as requesting that public meeting minutes be posted online, have been met with resistance and retaliation.

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The Council’s recent censure of me represents a disturbing abuse of power. These actions were taken without an independent investigation or an impartial decision maker. At the December 3 meeting, I was told I would be allowed to defend myself against City Manager Stockdale’s allegations. Yet after I hired legal counsel at my own expense to attend the meeting, the Council and City attorney said it was not the appropriate time for legal arguments and stopped him from speaking. Simply put, I have not been given due process.

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Under the Council’s view, even this statement criticizing their actions could be deemed a violation of City policy and grounds for further censure. This illustrates the lengths they are willing to go to silence dissent and suppress accountability.

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This is not just about me; it’s about protecting the principles of free speech, transparency, and good governance. The people of Umatilla deserve leaders who prioritize the public’s interest over their own agendas and who welcome questions and differing viewpoints. To safeguard these values, I will be filing a lawsuit to vindicate the important constitutional rights at stake and ensure that elected officials in Oregon can express their views and serve their communities without fear of retaliation. 

 

Democracy requires constant vigilance, and I remain committed to upholding the public trust and serving the community with integrity, no matter the challenges.

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Statements shared here are personal opinions and are not intended to represent the City of Umatilla.

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Thanks,

Caden Sipe

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Statements shared here are personal opinions

and are not intended to represent the City of Umatilla