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Bainbridge Island council swears in two new members and elects Clarence Moriwaki as mayor
Summary
At the Jan. 13 council meeting the city swore in Laura Land and Mike Nelson as council members, and elected Clarence Moriwaki mayor. Outgoing Mayor Ashley Matthews delivered a farewell address thanking staff, volunteers and residents.
The Bainbridge Island City Council on Jan. 13 administered oaths of office to two council members and elected Clarence Moriwaki as mayor.
Judge Alpaugh administered the oath to Laura Land, who said she was "so grateful to be here" and committed to working with residents and the council "towards the betterment of this city." Mike Nelson was sworn in for the South Ward and said "it is an honor to serve the people of Bainbridge Island" and that the seat "belongs to the people."
Council member Schneider nominated Clarence Moriwaki for mayor. The council voted by voice and the mayoral nomination carried; the chair declared Moriwaki mayor after there were no voiced objections. Moriwaki, who earlier took his oath for Council District 5, told the council he stands "by the rule of law" and emphasized serving the community and preserving local history.
Outgoing Mayor Ashley Matthews delivered a farewell address, thanking city staff, commissions and volunteers and urging continued civic engagement. "Serving as mayor of Bainbridge Island has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Matthews said, and urged the community to "lead with curiosity, with kindness, with courage, and love." Matthews received a ceremonial gavel and flowers from the council.
The council followed the swearing-in with brief organizational business, including appointing a deputy mayor and moving to a brief reception.
The council also read a proclamation recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and noted local events at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.
