SODAVILLE, Ore. – The controversial outcome of an election in a small Oregon town is putting residents to the test. Can they forgive and forget?

Residents in Sodaville, Ore., which has a population of about 300 people and is located southeast of Albany, recently elected Thomas Brady Harrington as their mayor.

The problem is, Harrington is a convicted felon with a long criminal history, including car theft, drug convictions, assault, eluding police, and numerous other charges. He spent time in jail as recently as 2007. 

Some residents of the town told KATU News they were not aware of Harrington’s crimes until after the election.

While some are willing to forgive and forget, others are less forgiving. A town meeting Thursday night will address the situation.

“I know that people can change but... it makes me feel very uncomfortable,” Jackie Rutherford told KATU News. “I think it's time people got responsible and check things out before things happen instead of finding out after the vote.”

Jolene Watson also said voters should have done their research before electing Harrington.

According to the Oregon Secretary of State's office, there is no Oregon law barring convicted felons from being elected to public office.