Runner-up in Lacey council race is appointed to city’s planning commission
Spencer Zeman lost his Lacey City Council race in November’s general election, but he’s not done serving the city.
After he learned of three openings on the city’s planning commission, he applied for one of those open seats and was accepted. The council appointed him and two others — Tonya Moore and Elliot Kirk — to the panel at last Thursday’s council meeting.
The commission is an advisory body to the council.
“You play an integral part in our decision-making, especially as we go through our comprehensive plan,” Mayor Andy Ryder said.
Zeman told The Olympian he is grateful for the opportunity and remains committed to addressing housing affordability, creating quality spaces for families, and the need for more quality childcare in the area. He supports the proposal to bring the Young Child and Family Center to a site near Nisqually Middle School.
“I want to keep making this a great place to live,” he said.
Zeman also wants to help young people get involved and affect their community.
Greenstein defeated Zeman in the November general election with 55% of the vote to Zeman’s 43%.
Despite the loss, Zeman said he was pleased with his showing in an election with low voter turnout. “I fully intend to run again,” he said.
The Lacey planning commission is a good place to start. Current council members Greenstein, Carolyn Cox, Michael Steadman and Robin Vazquez all previously served on the planning commission.
This story was originally published December 24, 2023 at 5:15 AM.
