Photos
The Lacey City Council chose Virgil Clarkson as mayor Thursday night. He is in his 14th year on the council and served as mayor from 2004-07.
“Thank you for permitting me to serve in this capacity again,” Clarkson told the council.
As the most experienced member on the council for the city of 43,000 residents, Clarkson promised to serve as a mentor for his colleagues.
“I will do everything I can to serve the council and the community to the best of my ability,” he said.
Also at the meeting, the council selected Jason Hearn as deputy mayor. Clarkson and Hearn each won four of the seven votes and drew support from council members Ron Lawson and Lenny Greenstein, along with each other’s votes.
However, after the election, the council took a symbolic re-vote to show their support so they didn’t appear divided, an idea proposed by Jeff Gadman, who, with Cynthia Pratt, had voted for Andy Ryder for both open positions.
The City Council elects a mayor and deputy mayor every two years, said city manager Scott Spence.
Lisa Pemberton: 360-754-5433
lpemberton@theolympian.com
