Talking Kelso

The council will interview applicants for the position vacated by Alan Slater effective June 30. The interviews will take place on Monday, June 8, at 7 p.m., and anyone interested in the seat is requested to submit their applications by Friday, June 5.

Because Slater’s position represents the north ward, applicants must live north of Allen Street, between I-5 and the Cowlitz River. Applicants are also required to have lived in the Kelso city limits for the year prior to their appointment. Once appointed, the successful candidate will have to run in the general election in November to retain the seat through the remainder of Slater’s term, which ends in 2011.

Based on past history, councilmembers have valued community service and experience with governmental agencies when selecting replacement councilmembers. Personally, I hope to find an individual who is willing to work together in a genial manner, has an open mind, and can be supportive of decisions made by the council regardless of whether they got their way or not.

If you’re interested and meet the required qualifications, you can download the application below. I look forward to having a full slate of quality applicants.

Council application

Long-time councilmember Alan Slater surprised the council Tuesday night by announcing that he will step down from his position by the end of June. Al said that he’s facing a recurrence of cancer and wants to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren.

Alan is by far the senior member of the council, with more than 26 years in the position. That experience, coupled with his business background and friendly personality, has made him a valuable part of the group. He will be missed.

Alan serves in the north ward, so we will soon begin looking searching for a replacement from that area. Applicants will need to reside north of Allen Street, between the river and I-5.

TDN