Emily Stone appointed to Gig Harbor City Council seat No. 3 after two rounds of voting

The Gig Harbor City Council appointed Emily Stone to fill the vacant council seat No. 3 on Monday night after two rounds of voting. The council voted 4–2 in the final round to give Stone the four votes required under the council’s appointment procedure; she was then sworn into office and took her seat at the dais.

The appointment followed a staff report from City Clerk Stecker explaining that the seat became vacant when Council member Likens resigned Jan. 15 and that council had directed staff to recontact the three finalists from the December interview process. The three finalists — Stephen McDuffie, Emily Stone and Julie Martin — each gave three-minute reintroductions before the council took public comment.

Why it matters: The council’s appointment process requires a nominee to receive at least four council votes to be appointed; the mayor does not cast a tie-breaking vote. The selection fills a seat on a seven-member council and affects committee assignments and quorum for future votes.

During the first paper-ballot round, Stone received three votes, McDuffie two and Martin one, eliminating Martin from the follow-up ballot. In the second round, Stone received four votes to McDuffie’s two and thus met the four-vote threshold. City Clerk Stecker read the ballots publicly. After the vote, Mayor Barber administered the oath of office to Emily Stone, who swore to “truly, faithfully, diligently and impartially perform the duties of the office of city council member for the City of Gig Harbor.”

Public speakers urged the council to consider candidates’ records of service and familiarity with city processes. Larry Bradbury, Mary Kolar and Greg Corpus each spoke in favor of Julie Martin; Frank Colony spoke in support of Stephen McDuffie. The council thanked all three finalists for their willingness to serve.

Council member Rodenberg nominated Stone during the nomination period; council member Wouk nominated McDuffie; council member Henderson nominated Martin. After Stone’s appointment, the mayor noted the council would take a short recess and then continue the meeting.

The new council member will assume duties immediately and participate in committee assignments and upcoming council business.

Ending: Stone’s appointment fills a seat left open earlier this month; the city will proceed with its regular meeting schedule and committee assignments with Stone as a seated member.