Council appoints Aaron Schuler to Independent Salary Commission after recusal and debate

The Auburn City Council on Sept. 2 voted to appoint Aaron Schuler to the Independent Salary Commission for a four-year term expiring Aug. 31, 2028, after a divided discussion and one recusal.

Council member Lisa Sturgis moved to approve Schuler’s appointment; Council member Hanan Amer seconded the motion. Council member Kate Baldwin announced she would recuse herself because Schuler had been a direct financial supporter of her campaign. City Attorney Jason Whalen told the council there was no legal prohibition to voting, but Baldwin said she wanted to avoid the appearance of impropriety. The motion passed with four votes in favor, two opposed and one recusal.

The debate focused on whether prior financial support or close personal relationships between applicants and council members should disqualify volunteers. Deputy Mayor Cheryl Raikes and Council member Yolanda Trent Manuel expressed concern that close relationships could create bias. Council member Lisa Sturgis, a former salary commission member, and Council member Tracy Taylor defended Schuler’s qualifications and experience; Sturgis noted the commission requires professional judgment and data review. Council member Clinton Taylor reiterated that the council attorney had said the appointment was legally permissible and framed remaining discussion as a matter of perception.

City Attorney Jason Whalen’s legal advice, as described at the meeting, was cited as indicating no statutory bar to the appointment despite concerns about appearances. The council did not adopt additional restrictions or directives related to this appointment during the meeting.

The appointment was recorded as approved and the council moved on to later business.