St. Helens library board interviews candidate Aaron Wheeldon, votes to recommend appointment to city council

The St. Helens Public Library Board conducted a public interview of Aaron Wheeldon and voted on April 14 to recommend Wheeldon’s appointment to the city council.

Wheeldon described long-term use of the library and participation in programs. “I have been a lifelong patron of the library,” Wheeldon said during the interview, citing library events the family attended when the candidate’s children were young and ongoing use of the Libby e-book app. Wheeldon also mentioned prior volunteer experience as a parent-teacher organization treasurer.

Board members asked Wheeldon about availability and participation. Wheeldon said they can attend regular monthly meetings held at 7:15 p.m. on the second Monday of each month and expressed interest in expanding programs such as cultural passes and in maintaining broad access to resources.

The board discussed public-facing interview procedures — noting that public-meeting rules now require interviews to occur in a posted forum rather than only in a small subcommittee — and then moved to recommend appointment. A motion to recommend Wheeldon’s appointment was made and seconded; the board voted in favor. Board members said they will forward the recommendation and supporting materials to the city council for formal appointment.

Board members did not conduct a closed evaluation or executive session during this meeting; several members suggested they could discuss candidates further later in the meeting if needed. The final appointment remains the city council’s decision.