Robin Risley joins Cannon Beach City Council

Published 12:45 am Thursday, January 10, 2019

The Cannon Beach City Council welcomed its newest member Tuesday night, swearing in Robin Risley, who is filling the seat left by former City Councilor George Vetter.

Robin Risley and incumbent Mike Benefield, who was also sworn in Tuesday, prevailed in the general election for two open seats last November, both narrowly defeating hotelier Greg Swedenborg. Mayor Sam Steidel, who ran unopposed, was also sworn in for a second term.

Vetter, taking to the podium as a resident instead of a seat up on the diocese for the first time since leaving the council, took his public comment to thank the council and city staff for a good experience as a councilor.

“And remember, don’t be afraid to voice a minority opinion,” Vetter added as parting advice.

The new council also appointed Barb Knop and Clay Newton to the planning commission, filling seats left by Risley, now serving on the council, and Bob Lundy, who termed out after serving eight years on the commission.

Knop is a longtime resident who has served on multiple committees, including Parks and Community Services and the Farmer’s Market Committee, as well as on the board of the Cannon Beach Academy and Cannon Beach Food Bank.

Newton is a real estate broker and part time resident in Cannon Beach who has been a vocal member of Friends of the Dunes at Cannon Beach, a group that opposes grading dunes for views, a topic that dominated discussion on the planning commission last year.