Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Replaces Davenport's vacated seat
New Harrington councilwoman Kris Moritz is sworn into the vacant council seat by mayor Jess Silhan Wednesday, Jan. 25.
HARRINGTON - One of Kris Moritz's main questions posed to the previously all-male city council during her interview for a vacant council seat Wednesday, Jan. 25 was: "would you all be comfortable working with a woman?"
Council ultimately responded in the affirmative, voting 3-1 to appoint Moritz to the seat vacated by Peter Davenport in December.
Davenport resigned from Position No. 4 for health reasons, he told council last month.
Moritz, a retired local who moved here in June 2016, was the second of two candidates interviewed Wednesday.
She was first asked by councilman Joe Armand what she felt a good councilmember's qualities would be, to which she responded with phrases like compatibility, government experience, knowledge of state statutes and RCW's and availability to do the job in a way that effectively serves the citizens.
Councilman Stephen Hardy asked Moritz what the biggest challenge she foresees the city facing. Moritz, who noted that she's been attending council meetings for over 18 months and follows city government closely, said she didn't see any huge challenges at the moment.
"It was a good move getting the bank," Moritz said, referencing council's recent decision to move City Hall from the local library to the building formerly occupied by U.S. Bank downtown.
Hardy noted earlier in the meeting that the move should occur in the next couple months, depending on subcontractor availability.
Moritz, who lives on Coal Creek Road, did say she'd like to "do something about the traffic," noting speeding is a problem on her road and those surrounding.
Davenport's term that Moritz will fill runs through the end of 2023, and Moritz will have to file for re-election in May if she wants to aim for a four-year term.
"I'll just have to see how it goes," she said when asked if she would consider running past this 11-month term.
Geoff Talkington was the first candidate interviewed by council. He spoke to issues regarding infrastructure and cited a desire to take a possible council appointment "very seriously." His interview lasted about 30 minutes, whereas Moritz spoke to council for about 20 minutes.
Councilman David Buddrius was the lone council voice in favor of Talkington taking the seat.
Drew Lawson is the editor of the Davenport Times. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.
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