City of Sequim seeks applicants for open council seat

By Matthew Nash • December 20, 2017 1:30 am
Per state law, staff with the City of Sequim must seek someone by the end of February to fill the seat of former city councilor John Miller who died on Nov. 29. He’s remembered for his sense of humor and passion for the community. Photo courtesy City of Sequim
Per state law, staff with the City of Sequim must seek someone by the end of February to fill the seat of former city councilor John Miller who died on Nov. 29. He’s remembered for his sense of humor and passion for the community. Photo courtesy City of Sequim

Applications are now available through Jan. 4 for the vacant Sequim City Council seat left open following the death of John Miller in late November.

Sequim city manager Charlie Bush said per state law that the city must fill Miller’s position within 90 days or Clallam County Commissioners will appoint someone.

Those interested can submit an application by 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 4 to the city with applications available at the Sequim Civic Center, 152 W. Cedar St., from city clerk Karen Kuznek-Reese at 360-681-3428, or through the city’s website at www.sequimwa.gov.

To be considered for the position, applicants must be registered to vote in the city, have lived at least one continuous year within city limits, and hold no other public office or employment under the City of Sequim.

City councilors will interview finalists at their regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 8 in the council chambers in the civic center. If selected, the new council member may be sworn in at the meeting. His/her term will expire on Dec. 31, 2019, and include a $250 monthly salary.

More on Miller

Miller died at the age of 62 on Nov. 29 of cardiac arrest at Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton. He retired from Safeway after more than 34 years and moved to Sequim from California in 2006. Miller is survived by his daughter Jamie Miller, 21. He was elected in 2015 to city council seat No. 7, and served on the city’s Finance Committee, the Clallam Transit System Board of Directors and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.

Friends and fellow city councilors said he was humerous and well liked in the community.

Miller said when first running for office, he wanted the city to focus on improving streets, sidewalks, and the police department.