Woodland City Council member Gabe Huston confirmed on Wednesday, March 11, that he rescinded his resignation from his council seat and is committing to serve his full term.
Huston previously sent his resignation letter to The Reflector a week after an argument with Mayor Todd Dinehart during a Dec. 8 special council meeting.
On March 11, Huston provided a new statement that explains he has decided to withdraw his resignation, which was signed Jan. 30. Huston originally agreed to an interview about his decision, but later declined.
In his written resignation sent to The Reflector in December, Huston cited what he described as a pattern of intimidation and disrespect by Dinehart that he said made it impossible for him to continue serving. Huston’s tone greatly differed in his Jan. 30 letter in comparison to the letter of resignation in December.
“I will not continue serving in an environment where intimidation is used as a management style and where basic respect and compassion are absent,” Huston wrote in December.
In his Jan. 30 statement, Huston expressed hope that he and Mayor Dinehart can move past recent disagreements and work collaboratively moving forward.
“Woodland is best served when its elected officials work together with mutual respect and a shared commitment to the people we represent,” he wrote.
Also in the written statement, Huston said he reconsidered his earlier decision after hearing from residents who encouraged him to continue serving.
“Over the past several days, I have heard from many members of our community who encouraged me to stay and continue the work we have started together," he stated. “Their support and trust mean a great deal to me.”
Huston’s letter adds that several projects and issues currently underway in Woodland would benefit from continuity on the council and that he believes remaining in his role is in the best interest of the community.
“I am committed to continuing to serve with integrity, accountability and a focus on what’s best for our city,” he wrote.
Huston concluded his Jan. 30 letter by thanking residents, fellow elected officials and city employees for their feedback and engagement.
“And I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of Woodland,” Huston’s letter concluded.
