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Soap Lake council member asks for Sharp’s resignation

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 days, 2 hours AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | February 5, 2026 3:29 PM

SOAP LAKE — During the Wednesday Soap Lake City Council meeting, tensions surfaced as Council Member Andrew Arnold called for Mayor Peter Sharp’s resignation.  

Arnold cited what he described as “inconsistent and inaccurate statements to council, the public and the media,” along with ongoing ethics complaints, contract concerns, delays in hiring and questions over financial oversight.  

He said these issues had “materially interfered with council’s ability to carry out its legislative and fiduciary responsibilities,” adding that the resulting instability was harming staff morale and public trust. 

Council Member Judith Gorman publicly rejected Arnold’s concerns.  

“I trust the mayor; I talk to him frequently when I have questions and it’s substantiated by the city attorney,” she said.  

No other council members made a comment.  

Sharp defended his leadership, encouraging communication.  

“I encourage everyone to work on their demons, or whatever,” he said. “I will continue to do what I’m doing for the city, doing what’s best for the city and still holding on my oath of office.” 


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