Liberty Lake council appoints Hugh Severs to fill vacant Position 7 after interviews

Following interviews with eight finalists, an executive session to evaluate candidate qualifications, and a public selection process, the Liberty Lake City Council appointed Hugh Severs to fill the vacant City Council Position 7 on Dec. 8, 2025.

The council explained the process earlier in the evening: candidates would answer the same six questions in randomized order, have 10 minutes to respond and two minutes for summary, and the council would narrow the field to five, then two, before making nominations. After deliberations in executive session (citing RCW 42.30.110 for evaluation of candidate qualifications), council members each provided ranked top-three lists in alphabetical order by first name. The council reduced the field to five finalists (Mike Willis, Jim Bompher, Lynn Atkins, Hugh Severs and Judy Schumacher) and then to two finalists (Hugh Severs and Judy Schumacher).

Council member Spencer nominated Hugh Severs; another council member nominated Judy Schumacher. The council then voted and selected Hugh Severs. The mayor and city clerk administered the oath of office; staff arranged for photographs and a name tag. The mayor welcomed Council member Severs to the dais.

Council remarks during the selection emphasized qualifications, geographic balance on the dais, prior commission service and the ability to hit the ground running given upcoming fiscal and capital decisions. Council members thanked all applicants and encouraged candidates not selected to consider other advisory roles and commissions.

What’s next: With the seat filled, staff will notify commissions about upcoming vacancies and move forward with onboarding and committee assignments for the new council member.