Election 2024

In an election largely focused on housing, tourism and infrastructure, City Councilor David Posalski, Heidi Hoffman, a former police officer, and Seamus McVey, an advocate for the homeless, were leading Nov. 5 in campaigns for the Seaside City Council.

Posalski, who owns Tsunami Sandwich Co., held a 52% to 47% lead over Meagan Hughes, a real estate broker, in Ward 4. Posalski, who was elected to the City Council in 2020, expressed a desire to continue the city’s forward momentum on projects centered around housing and infrastructure. Hughes asked voters to consider her perspective on the importance of affordable housing, as well as child care needs.

“I’m humbled that my neighbors have chosen me to represent them, to continue representing them,” Posalski said. “And I congratulate the people that I was running against, and I hope that those that didn’t get those positions will continue to volunteer with the city on our boards, commissions and committees.”

Hoffman, who had a 53% to 46% advantage over City Councilor Randy Frank in at large Ward 1 and Ward 2, prioritized the city’s housing crisis and the need to update aging infrastructure. She said many people she had talked to believed the City Council had not been responsive to everyday concerns.

“Right now, the results look like I’m going to win, so that’s encouraging,” Hoffman said. “And I look forward to working with all the other councilors to improve Seaside. More affordable housing, take care of our infrastructure and plan more exciting events.”

Frank, who was first elected to the City Council in 2012, is a former business owner who sought to maintain a balance between tourism, local businesses and resident needs.

McVey, who works for Clatsop Community Action, held a 55% to 44% edge over Mark Hopman, the general manager of Best Western’s Ocean View Resort, in Ward 3. McVey has long advocated for the homeless in Seaside and wants the city to take an active role in encouraging developers to provide affordable and workforce housing.

“I am grateful for and deeply humbled by the support and trust that the community has placed in me,” McVey said in a statement. “I look forward to working every day to live up to that trust in working to make Seaside better for all of its residents. I know that the only way to do that is to listen to what the community wants, so I am excited to keep hearing from them and working on their behalf.”

Hopman called for a balance between tourism and livability and said he would focus on updating city infrastructure and championing affordable housing.

City Councilor Tom Horning opted not to run for reelection in Ward 3, creating the open seat.

Psilocybin

Voters were approving a ballot measure to prohibit psilocybin-related businesses in Seaside by a 55% to 45% margin.

While state law allows the psychedelic drug within licensed psilocybin centers, it also allows local jurisdictions to refer the matter to voters.