Robert Vanderpool chosen as appointee to Olympia City Council
The Olympia City Council has chosen Robert Vanderpool to fill Position 6, which was vacated by Dontae Payne when he became mayor earlier this month.
Vanderpool, who is currently the chair of the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, was ceremonially sworn in by his mother during Tuesday’s city council meeting.
“Robert, as you know him, but Bobby to me, has always been interested in helping his community and making an impact through government service,” Julie Willoughby said. “As a youngster, Bobby did many community service projects through his work with Boy Scouts and the church. He was and always has been willing to talk to anyone about government, regardless of their political beliefs.”
Willoughby said Vanderpool has worked full time while obtaining his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at The Evergreen State College.
Vanderpool has lived in Olympia for six years and currently works in the Department of Labor and Industries’ support services program. He is on the Intercity Transit Community Advisory Committee and the Thurston County Planning Commission. He was previously a member of the Evergreen Standing Committee on Curriculum.
Council member Yến Huỳnh said she didn’t know what to expect from any of the six candidates the council interviewed Monday for the open position, but every time Vanderpool spoke she was blown away.
“You reference these plans we have, you clearly know what’s going on, you kind of have your finger on the pulse with as much information as you can glean about the City of Olympia and what’s happening, and what we ought to do,” Huỳnh said.
Council member Dani Madrone said she was struck by how authentic Vanderpool’s presence was in the interview. She said he seemed very comfortable, that he was joking and making conversation, which made it feel like less of a formal interview. The interviews can be watched online on the city’s website.
Mayor Dontae Payne thanked Vanderpool for stepping up and being willing to serve in local politics.
“Last night, I think I heard the words genuine and authentic, and I was impressed with how prepared you were,” Payne said. “You were referencing your notes, and it was almost like you anticipated the questions. It was really impressive, really thorough and prepared, and I think it speaks to how you will show up as a council member.”
Vanderpool thanked the council for giving him the opportunity to serve alongside them.
“The best I can do in the next two years is study, collaborate and pass good policy,” he said. “It will be for the public to judge my actions.”
This story was originally published January 10, 2024 at 1:16 PM.
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