Oregon Council President Under Fire for Extensive Meeting Absences
An Oregon lawmaker earning a substantial taxpayer-funded salary of $204,000 has drawn sharp criticism from colleagues after missing a significant number of council meetings throughout the year, citing personal reasons. According to a report by Oregon Live, Metro Council President Lynn Peterson, who represents over 1.17 million residents in the Portland area, has been absent for approximately one-third of around 80 council meetings and work sessions since the start of 2025.
Details of Absences and Political Engagements
A representative from Peterson's office disclosed that 11 of her absences were attributed to attendance at other political events, including a transportation conference in Los Angeles and visits with lawmakers in Washington DC. The reasons for the remaining absences remain unclear, with her office stating they were due to health or personal matters. In total, Peterson, aged 57, has missed six out of 15 meetings this year, with five absences for personal time and one for the transportation conference.
Colleague Reactions and Council Management
When questioned about the frequent absences, Metro Councilor Gerritt Rosenthal described Peterson's non-attendance as unpredictable. He commented, I don’t think it’s been a help, let’s just put it that way, noting that the council has managed to function without her presence. Rosenthal praised his fellow councilmembers for their admirable work, as some have had to assume deputy president roles in Peterson's absence. He added, It’s something the council has been able to manage pretty well, which is not to say that it couldn’t have been enhanced and made more effective.
Responsibilities and Salary Disparities
As council president, Peterson is expected to preside over meetings, set agendas, appoint members to various commissions, boards, and committees, and vote as part of a seven-person council. Her position is the only full-time elected role at Metro Council, making her the highest-paid member, with other councilmembers earning about a third of her salary without set requirements for their part-time duties.
Patterns of Tardiness and Remote Participation
Oregon Live reported that when Peterson did attend meetings, she sometimes failed to take her seat or log in remotely until more than an hour into the sessions. Her absence total does not account for instances where she joined virtually during the last 20 minutes or arrived an hour-and-a-half late, causing her to miss entire council meetings and only lead work sessions. A Metro spokesperson noted that councilors cannot miss all meetings within a 60-day period without council approval.
Speculation on Future and Additional Council Controversies
Rumours suggest Peterson may leave before her term ends, following her withdrawal from the 2024 congressional race for Oregon's 5th District. During her campaign, she was excused from 12 out of 32 council meetings. Meanwhile, the Lake Oswego City Council is set to vote on Peterson's nomination for interim city council manager, potentially increasing her salary to $213,000 annually.
Remote Attendance and Inclusivity Issues
Amid Peterson's absences, another councilmember, Mary Nolan, has sparked controversy by attending meetings remotely from Spain. Nolan recently faced backlash after telling Councilor Juan Carlos González, the first Latino elected to the council, to repeat himself in English during a meeting, despite him already speaking the language. González responded, Um, ok. Let me try to repeat that in English, which is the language that I was speaking. At a subsequent meeting, Nolan apologised, with González and others stating her remark undermined the council's inclusivity efforts. Peterson was absent from both of these meetings.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Peterson and Metro councilmembers for further comment on these developments.
