Former John Day City Councilor Resigns, Cites Concerns Over Council Appointments

Chris Labhart, a longtime public servant in Grant County, stepped down from the John Day City Council, urging the council to focus on the future.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Chris Labhart, a former mayor and longtime city councilor in John Day, Oregon, has resigned from the city council, effective immediately. Labhart cited concerns over the council's recent focus on past decisions rather than looking to the future, as well as his belief that the council has been appointing members rather than allowing citizens to elect them.

Why it matters

Labhart's resignation highlights ongoing tensions and challenges within the John Day City Council, which has seen a number of elected officials either resign or be recalled in recent years. His departure leaves a vacancy on the council that will need to be filled, raising questions about the city's governance and its ability to move forward on key issues.

The details

Labhart, who was appointed to the council in 2023 and then won election in 2024, read a prepared statement at the end of the February 24th council meeting, highlighting his 25 years of public service to John Day. He expressed concern that the council has been more focused on the decisions of previous councils rather than looking to the future, and said the council has been appointing members rather than allowing citizens to elect them. Labhart urged the council to strive to reclaim the stability and confidence of John Day's citizens that it once had.

  • Labhart was appointed to the John Day City Council in April 2023.
  • Labhart won election to the council in the 2024 general election.
  • Labhart resigned from the council during its February 24, 2026 meeting.

The players

Chris Labhart

A former mayor and longtime city councilor in John Day, Oregon, who has resigned from the city council, citing concerns over the council's focus on past decisions and its practice of appointing members rather than allowing citizens to elect them.

Sherrie Rininger

The current mayor of John Day, who said the council will discuss filling Labhart's vacancy at its next meeting.

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What they’re saying

“During my tenure, I have seen the city accomplish many things that have benefited the city of John Day and the surrounding communities.”

— Chris Labhart, Former City Councilor (bluemountaineagle.com)

“Let's move forward and not blame others for what the city is facing now. Our job is to look to the future.”

— Chris Labhart, Former City Councilor (bluemountaineagle.com)

“I believe we are doing a disservice to the citizens of John Day by appointing who the council wants and not having the citizens electing them.”

— Chris Labhart, Former City Councilor (bluemountaineagle.com)

What’s next

The John Day City Council will discuss filling the vacancy left by Labhart's resignation at its next meeting.

The takeaway

Labhart's resignation highlights ongoing challenges within the John Day City Council, including concerns over the council's focus on past decisions, its practice of appointing members rather than allowing citizens to elect them, and the need to rebuild trust and stability with the community.