Salem, Ore. — After nearly fifteen years serving Salem as Mayor and on the Salem City Council, Mayor Chuck Bennett is resigning effective November 2, 2022. Mayor Bennett served nearly six years as Salem’s Mayor, nine years as a Salem City Councilor, and has been on numerous committees for the past 30 years.
“I’ve had a great 15 years in office, but my priority now is to enjoy more time with my family,” said Mayor Chuck Bennett. “We’ve accomplished an amazing amount of work during my tenure, including passing the Bond measure for the new Police Station, as well as the Bond Measure for Library improvements; dedicating the Peter Courtney Minto Island and Pedestrian Bridge; building the new Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater; making incredible strides toward housing our homeless; and, creating a vibrant downtown that includes housing, restaurants, and retail.”
Mayor Bennett began his career more than 50 years ago as a newspaper reporter, is a former member of the Oregon House of Representatives, and retired in 2018 as Director of Government Relations for the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators.
“Mayor Bennett is a passionate community volunteer whose work will benefit Salem for years to come,” said Council President and Mayor Elect Chris Hoy. “Chuck has had a hand in so many of Salem’s accomplishments in the last 15 years that he leaves behind an indelible mark on this community. I appreciate his service and wish him all the best as he embarks on this new adventure.”
At their November 14 meeting, the City Council will consider a motion to accept Mayor Bennett’s resignation and declare the mayor position vacant. City Council may consider a motion to appoint Council President Chris Hoy as mayor, as well as a motion to appoint Julie Hoy, who won the primary election for Ward 6 this past spring, to serve the remainder of Councilor Chris Hoy’s term, before beginning her first full term in January.
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