Sequim Gazette staff

After three years as mayor, Ken Hays passed the title to Candace Pratt on Jan. 13.

Sequim city councilors unanimously approved of Pratt after Laura Dubois nominated her saying Pratt’s experience with the League of Women Voters as president and on Clallam Transit’s board of directors served her well.

When asked if she had the qualifications to be mayor, Pratt said she has the ability to delegate to the proper authorities.

“I have a year as chair on the Clallam Transit board so I have some practice,” she said to the council. “I trust you to keep me on the straight and narrow.”

Dennis Smith, who was appointed in October 2012 and elected in November 2013, was voted as mayor pro-tem, following Hays’ nomination. Councilors did not nominate anyone else for either position.

Hays, who has served as mayor since 2010, said he didn’t plan to be mayor again so he could focus on refurbishing the city’s Guy Cole Center in Carrie Blake Park, pursuing the city’s options for parks and recreation and working with the Clallam Economic Development Council to bring more opportunities to Sequim.

Hays said he was thankful for the support from fellow councilors, city staff and citizens during his time as mayor.

“It’s been a privilege,” he said. “(Sequim is) a great place as we all know.”