ECHO, Ore. — Echo voters approved the recall of Mayor Chad Ray in a special election held June 9, according to unofficial results released by the Umatilla County Elections Office. 

According to the results, 147 ballots were cast out of 417 registered voters, representing a voter turnout of 35.25 percent. Voters approved the recall by a margin of 92 votes to 55.

With the recall approved, the City of Echo is expected to enter a transition period, though city officials say day-to-day operations and services will continue without interruption.

City Administrator Mike Gonzalez said he has already spoken with Council President Berlyn Anderson, who will serve as acting mayor during the transition.

"I have talked with Council President Anderson about stepping into the mayor role and she told me she's ready to go. As far as continuity of service, things remain the same at City Hall. We'll keep working on behalf of the citizens of Echo as always with the same level of professionalism," Gonzalez said.

The recall effort was initiated by Echo resident Vicente Escalante. Escalante, appeared at Tuesday night's council meeting and said that the recall effort wasn't anything personal, and the effort was his right as a citizen during a public comment period. 

Under the Echo City Charter, recall from office creates a vacancy. The charter also provides that whenever the mayor is unable to perform the functions of office, the Council President shall act as mayor. As Council President, Berlyn Anderson is expected to assume the responsibilities of acting mayor upon certification of the election results. The charter further provides that vacancies in elective offices are filled by appointment by a majority vote of the City Council.

What Happens Next?

Following certification of the election by Umatilla County, Anderson will serve as acting mayor, providing continuity in city government while the council determines how to fill the vacancy.

Under the City Charter, the City Council has the authority to appoint a qualified elector who has resided within the city for at least 12 months to fill the vacant office. The appointee would immediately assume office and serve the remainder of the unexpired term. A majority vote of the council is required to make the appointment.

Possible next steps available to the City Council include:

• Appointing a qualified resident of Echo to serve as mayor for the remainder of the term;
• Appointing an existing council member to fill the vacancy;
• Maintaining Anderson as acting mayor while considering potential candidates; or
• Taking other actions consistent with the City Charter and Oregon law.

City officials emphasized that essential services, budget work, infrastructure projects, and normal operations at City Hall will continue uninterrupted throughout the transition.

The recall election concludes several months of public debate in Echo and begins a new chapter for the city's leadership.