PRESS RELEASE
CITY OF LEAVENWORTH
700 HIGHWAY 2
POST OFFICE BOX 287
LEAVENWORTH, WASHINGTON 98826
TELEPHONE: (509) 548-5275
FAX: (509) 548-6429
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joel Walinski
City Administrator
November 9, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
RESIGNATION OF COUNCILMEMBER JOHN BANGSUND
AND
APPOINTMENT OF SHARON WATERS TO THE LEAVENWORTH CITY COUNCIL
On Monday November 7th, 2016, newly appointed Councilmember John Bangsund tendered his resignation to the City of Leavenworth City Council. Councilmember Bangsund stated that a newly discovered health issue required him to reconsider his appointment to the Council and balance that time commitment with his family and medical treatment. While he has a strong commitment and dedication to the City of Leavenworth and the community, his family time is the priority. Councilmember Bangsund was appointed to the position on October 18th, and took the Oath of office on October 25th, 2016.
At the City Council meeting on November 8th, 2016, the City Council reviewed the options on filling the vacancy of the open seat by Councilmember Bangsund’s resignation. A motion was made for the Council to consider the appointment of Ms. Sharon Waters to the Council. Previously on October 18th, 2016, both Bangsund and Waters were interviewed by the City Council to fill the vacancy of Position #5 created by the resignation of Councilmember Bob Francis. The Council vote at that time was split 3 – 3 with Mayor Farivar casting the final vote for Mr. Bangsund. The Council did discuss a reposting of the position; however, given the timelines, the majority of the Council felt it was appropriate to consider an appointment of Ms. Waters. The Council, on a motion made by Councilmember Brinkman, unanimously appointed Ms. Waters to fill Position #5 on the City Council. The term of office runs through December 31, 2017.
Ms. Waters is a longtime resident of Leavenworth. She was employed at the Cascade School District for 32 years before retiring. Ms. Waters stated that she has had a longtime interest in being on the City Council and is frequently in attendance for various meetings held by the City. Ms. Waters wrote that she believes that working with the citizens of Leavenworth is a very important job; she’s a team player and believes “that together we can achieve more”. Ms. Waters is scheduled to take the office on Tuesday November 22, 2016 at 6:30 PM.
