Auburn swears in Lisa Sturgess to fill vacant council seat

The Auburn City Council ceremonially swore in Lisa Sturgess as a council member at a public event where council members, family and community supporters were present. Mayor Bacchus opened the event, saying, "Good evening. Thanks for being here tonight to celebrate the swearing in of our newest council member, Lisa Sturgess."

The appointment followed a multi-step selection process after Council Member Larry Brown resigned for health reasons. Council reviewed 45 applications, narrowed the pool to a top third of roughly 15 candidates, then selected seven to interview; six were present for 25-minute interviews. According to remarks at the event, council held an executive session to discuss attributes of candidates, nominated finalists and then chose between two finalists: Lisa Sturgess and former council member John Holman. Council members said they preferred a candidate who intends to run in the upcoming fall election and selected Sturgess on that basis.

City Clerk Sean Campbell administered the oath; Sturgess repeated, "I, Lisa Sturgess, do solemnly swear and affirm," and pledged to "support the Constitution of The United States, and the Constitution and law of the State of Washington, and all valid local ordinances." After the oath, Sturgess described herself as "incredibly honored and grateful" and said she intends to be "fierce about advocating and showing up and fighting for what's right."

Council members and attendees praised Sturgess's preparation and engagement during the selection process. Council Member Kate Baldwin said she had asked rigorous questions to see "how they're gonna tackle what they don't know," and noted Sturgess had reviewed council rules and procedures before the interview. Council Member Yolanda Trout Manuel and other members cited Sturgess's prior committee work and community involvement; Jennifer Warwick, a local business owner, said she sees Sturgess as a strong advocate for businesses and residents, adding, "When I grow up, I'm gonna be Lisa."

Officials noted the swearing-in at the public event followed the formal appointment completed earlier (the transcript records the ceremonial oath and public remarks). The council encouraged attendees to remain for refreshments and to attend the council meeting scheduled to begin later that evening.

What happened next: council members invited guests to stay for the business meeting beginning at 7 p.m.; no formal motion text or vote tally on the appointment was specified in the public remarks recorded in the transcript.