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Issaquah council narrows field to seven finalists for Council position 6 after interviews
Summary
After hearing presentations from 12 applicants for the vacant Council position 6, the council nominated seven candidates to advance to a second-stage interview on Feb. 10; the council will reconvene to continue the appointment process.
The Issaquah City Council heard verbal presentations from 12 applicants for the vacant Position 6 and, after an executive session, nominated seven candidates to proceed to a second-stage interview on Monday, Feb. 10.
Council members interviewed applicants in person during the Feb. 3 meeting and then met in executive session to discuss qualifications. Following the closed session, council members opened a public nomination process. By unanimous roll-call, the council moved the following seven candidates forward: Kelly Jang, Katya Zakharov, Mary Newcomer Williams, Eric Olinger, Tina Hayes, Chris Richley and Jeff Newell.
The council said the next step is a public special meeting on Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers where the seven finalists will answer additional questions on camera. After that session the council may return to executive session to narrow the field further or to make a final recommendation; in some cases the council indicated it may appoint and swear in a candidate the same night depending on the outcome.
Council members who nominated individuals during the public nomination period included Council President Martz, Council Member Ray, Deputy Council President De Michel, Council Member Joe and Council Member Hall. Council leadership said they will prepare a set of questions for the Feb. 10 session and encouraged the finalists and the public to review council materials in advance.
During the Feb. 3 meeting each applicant had a brief opportunity to speak about priorities such as mobility, housing, safety, economic vitality and environmental stewardship. Several applicants cited the upcoming light-rail project and Central Issaquah planning as priorities; others emphasized housing options for the workforce and mental-health and human-services investments.
The council asked the public to submit comments about the nominees via citycouncil@issaquahwa.gov and invited residents to attend the Feb. 10 meeting to speak to qualifications.
