Council appoints Mike Anderle to Estacada Arts Commission after split vote

The Estacada City Council approved the appointment of Mike Anderle to the Estacada Area Arts Commission following a divided roll call vote.

Jessie Kerr, chair of the Estacada Area Arts Commission, urged the council to reappoint Anderle, saying he "has been on the arts commission for more than 2 years, and he's been an integral part of our work" and that the commission had unanimously approved his reapplication.

Council discussion focused partly on Anderle’s contributions to the local music community and partly on his recent online interactions with residents and council members. One council member said they did not believe Anderle “belongs on a city commission” because of repeated online conduct; others said Anderle fills a long-standing need on the commission for music-related representation and praised his event work and community connections.

Councilor Blevins acknowledged the online behavior but voted in favor, saying, "It sounds like he's acting kinda childish outside, but I vote yes." The roll call produced four votes for and three against; Mayor Drinkwine voted no. The motion passed and Anderle’s appointment was approved.

The appointment moves Anderle onto the arts commission roster; the commission had drafted the reappointment and sent a member to speak in favor. Council members who expressed concern said the issue of a council or commission member’s public conduct may arise again if complaints continue, but no formal sanctions were proposed during the meeting.

The council did not set additional conditions on the appointment; council members said they will continue to monitor public conduct and enforcement options under existing city policies.

Votes at a glance - Appointment of Mike Anderle to the Estacada Area Arts Commission — Approved (4–3, roll call).