Yelm council appoints David Johnstone to vacant Position 6 after tie vote

The Yelm City Council appointed David Johnstone to the vacant Position 6 after a tie vote among council members and the mayor’s tie-breaking vote. Council member Hess moved to appoint Johnstone; the motion was seconded and then amended by a separate motion to vote between two candidates. After debate about amendment procedures the council conducted a roll call that produced a 3–3 tie. The mayor exercised the statutory tie-breaking authority and declared David Johnstone appointed.

Johnstone was immediately sworn in at the council dais. During the oath he repeated allegiance to the constitutions and said he would “faithfully and impartially perform and discharge the duties of the office of City of Yelm, City Council, Position number 6.” The council clerk and city attorney confirmed he would serve and vote on subsequent items unless he chose to abstain for conflict reasons.

The appointment followed discussion about proper voting procedure for filling a vacancy and an unsuccessful effort to alter the process with an amendment proposing a head-to-head vote between Johnstone and another candidate identified as Russell. Council member Richardson recused himself from parts of the later variance hearing, but not from the appointment vote. The council then continued with the meeting.