A Missed First Impression — And a Council at a Crossroads

Clallam County Watchdog · Jan 12, 2026 · 38m

There’s no second chance to make a first impression — especially in public office. On the very night Port Angeles swore in its returning City Council members, newly elected Councilmember Mark Hodgson was nowhere to be found. The absence may seem procedural. The implications are not. Combined with a deadlocked mayoral vote and deepening concerns about leadership, process, and transparency, the meeting left residents with more questions than confidence.

A No-Show on Night One

The first Port Angeles City Council meeting of the year included the swearing-in of returning councilmembers. One thing…