Salem, OR – Salem City Councilor Micki Varney recently broke her silence regarding the unexpected resignation of City Manager Keith Stahley. In an interview, Varney revealed that she, along with other councilors, had no prior knowledge of any efforts to encourage Stahley’s departure before his resignation on February 9, 2025. According to Varney, no individual councilor or the mayor holds the power to request such a resignation without a formal vote by the entire council—a process that did not take place.
Varney expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding the resignation, calling for more information to be shared with the public. She emphasized that residents of Salem deserve to understand the circumstances that led to Stahley’s abrupt exit, especially given the city’s projected $13.8 million budget deficit.
The situation has raised eyebrows among both residents and city officials alike, as the timing of the resignation adds another layer of uncertainty to the city’s financial outlook. In response to the leadership vacuum, Deputy City Manager Krishna Namburi has stepped in as acting city manager. Namburi, who has been with the city for 25 years and was promoted to deputy city manager in 2022, will oversee the city’s Enterprise Services Department while the City Council navigates the next steps.
The City Council is now tasked with selecting a permanent city manager, a process that will be supported by city staff. Varney urged the community to remain patient and engaged as the council gathers more information and works toward a resolution.
As the city grapples with its financial challenges and leadership transition, the call for transparency and accountability continues to grow louder.
