Sequim city councilor Vicki Lowe was honored on Dec. 8 during her last council meeting to conclude her lone four-year term.
She opted not to run for a second term after being elected in November 2021, and gave her support to retired city worker A. Pete Tjemsland, who ran unopposed this General Election for Lowe’s council position No. 3.
“I enjoyed it and learned a lot about local government, traffic lights, water types, sanitation, (and) traffic,” Lowe said.
“I think being part of our local government really helps me understand the other work I do at the state level, and so it’s been an honor. I’m proud of the work we’ve done.”
Lowe works as the executive director of the American Indian Health Commission for Washington, a nonprofit run by a delegation appointed by the Tribes and Urban Indian Health Programs.
Mayor Brandon Janisse, who participated in a joint campaign in 2021 with Lowe and others, read the proclamation recognizing Lowe’s efforts that commended her for being an advocate for the most vulnerable and marginalized members of Sequim, and holding an “unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion.”
He said Lowe “approached every decision with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to ensuring that Sequim remains a place where every resident feels seen, heard, and valued.”
Lowe also “championed initiatives that strengthened human services, public health access, and cultural understanding across the Olympic Peninsula, and supported efforts to build bridges between governmental, nonprofit, and tribal organizations,” according to the proclamation.
Lowe said she appreciated the proclamation recognizing that she worked collaboratively “even in moments of challenging debate to advance thoughtful, community-centered policy.”
After Janisse finished reading the proclamation, Lowe gave cedar roses made by her and her uncles to councilors and staffers. She said in her culture cedar has a connection to her ancestors as it’s touched every aspect of their lives, and the roses “recognize the work you do that touches every aspect of the lives of the people in our community.”
Councilors commented on Lowe being an inspiration, confident and strong.
Lowe was elected running on a platform to seek changes after former city manager Charlie Bush was called to resign by a majority of councilors, and they passed a resolution opposing a county health mandate requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to sit indoors in restaurants and bars.
Lowe said residents she spoke to wanted to focus on sidewalks and streets and “it was about Sequim being Sequim again.”
Prior to the proclamation reading, incumbents Kelly Burger (appointed in February) and Nicole Hartman (appointed in April 2024) took their oaths of office after running unopposed in November. Tjemsland will be sworn into office in January.
