Harrington to appoint new mayor

HARRINGTON — A new mayor will be appointed during a special City Council meeting today, Thursday, April 2.

The special meeting will be via conference call, beginning at 6 p.m. To participate, 978-990-5000 and enter access code 809428 followed by the pound (#) key when prompted.

City Clerk Janice Cepeda said the seat has heretofore been filled temporarily by City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tempore Nathan Luck.

Mayor Justin Slack stepped down Jan. 8 in the wake of a controversy over paying city employees for their earned vacation hours.

Slack did not seek re-election as mayor, but filled a the council seat vacated by Tim Tipton.

As of March 30, only resident Denisa Holling had filed a letter of interest in the vacant mayoral position in accordance with the closing deadline, Cepeda said, noting a City Council seat also remains vacant.

Another letter was received from Mayor Pro Tempore Luck, but it was submitted late, she said.

If appointed, Holling would become the first woman to lead city government.

The vacancies come about three months after Slack announced he was stepping down.

During a Jan. 8 meeting, Councilman Peter Davenport moved and Slack seconded a motion to name Cherie MacClellan as mayor pro tempore. The mostion passed 3-0, with MacClellan abstaining.

On Feb.12, MacClellan resigned and Luck was appointed mayor pro tempore.

Luck officially declined the full mayoral position Feb. 12, leaving the council to advertise both mayoral and council vancancies.

In other business, City Hall has been closed to public access since March 27, due to the coronavirus pandemic and in compliance with an executive order from Gov. Jay Inslee.

“While our doors may be locked, we will continue to serve your needs through phone or email,” Cepeda said.

“Thank you for your understanding at this time.”

City Hall staff can be reached by calling 509-253-4345, or by emailing harringtoncity@gmail.com.

“If you need to make a payment, please place it in the drop box, left of the front door,” Cepeda said.

— Marge Womach of Harrington contributed to this report.