Pendleton City Leader ‘Gives Up,’ Moving to Eugene

After a 7-year stint marked by progress, growth and controversy, one of Pendleton's city council members is moving out.

Al Plute, who pushed for many improvements and growth as well as being a building owner, has decided enough is enough. Following a recall petition from local citizens Plute has decided it's time to call it a career in the Eastern Oregon town.

A native of Northern California, he bought some notable buildings, including the Brown Building as well as the Temple Hotel.

Plute pushed for a $.5 cent gas tax to help pay for much needed street repairs, and also later a $5 street utility fee, which the council planned to enact whether the gas tax passed or not.  Voters had defeated the gas tax idea last November.

Plute is credited with "rescuing" the Brown Building and Temple, as they had fallen into bad disrepair. He is believed to have invested at least $7 million in refurbishing the properties he purchased in town.

A group calling itself Pendleton Citizens United started the recall against Plute, apparently dissatisfied with his forward-thinking ideas. He, according to the East Oregonian newspaper, referred to that group as "the village idiots."

Reports also indicate he was discouraged by opposition from a group of citizens over the possibility of Costco building a store on the edge of town. However, the retail giant decided to re-think the plan and will focus their efforts elsewhere.

He said he gave the city the blueprint for how to grow and improve, and attract more business, now all they have to do is follow it. His last city council meeting will be in May.