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Oak Harbor council adopts nepotism ordinance limiting relatives of elected officials from chairing advisory bodies
Summary
The Oak Harbor City Council on Feb. 3 adopted Ordinance No. 2038 (nepotism), restricting relatives of elected officials from serving as chairs on boards and commissions and amended the draft to apply to 'elected official' rather than only council members; the measure passed with one opposing vote.
The Oak Harbor City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2038 on Feb. 3, 2026, changing city rules on appointments to advisory boards and commissions to limit the influence of elected officials' relatives. Councilor Peterson moved the ordinance (Option 2 as amended) and Councilor Merrow seconded; the motion passed with one opposed.
City Attorney Hillary Evans introduced the item as the council's "fifth touch" on the nepotism issue and presented two draft alternatives designed to restrict appointments and chairmanships for relatives of elected officials. "I essentially shortened hearing…
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