Palouse seeks new mayor, city administrator

Life is made up of meetings and partings. Such has been the way of things in Palouse this last year, and as such it has been a year of transitions. The truth of the matter is that things sometimes change and change is difficult for all of us.

Most recently, our city administrator and mayor both resigned from their positions, due to family and professional obligations. The timing, in that they happened simultaneously, is unfortunate, but these things sometimes happen.

I'm writing today, as mayor pro tempore, and on behalf of the Palouse City Council, to provide a few brief updates about what comes next, as that is the question that many are asking.

As to the position of city administrator, applications are currently being accepted. The personnel committee is meeting this week to review applicants and interviews likely will take place Oct. 11-15.

When the new city administrator starts, of course, is dependent on the interview process and applicant availability. Additionally, according to Palouse Municipal Code, the city administrator is appointed by the mayor and serves at the pleasure of the mayor. Simply put, this means we can't hire a city administrator until we have a mayor in place.

As mayor pro tempore, I serve subject to the provisions of Palouse Municipal Code 2.08.020, which allows me, in the case of the absence, death, or disability of the mayor to perform the duties of mayor except that I do not have the power to appoint or remove any officer or to veto any ordinance. In this transitionary period. I will fulfill the duties of the mayor to the best of my ability, but getting a mayor in place is of first importance so that we can hire the city administrator position.

At our upcoming council meeting, Oct. 12 at the Palouse Community Center, this will be a primary topic of consideration during "New Business," as the council determines how it wishes to move forward with filling the mayoral vacancy.

The city administrator and mayor are key positions to our form of governance, responsible for a great deal of the day-to-day operations of the city. With the help of our able Deputy Clerk Misty La Follett, your city council members will do their best to hold things together in this time of transition.

Please keep in mind, however, that your council members are not full-time employees/elected officials and the learning curve is steep in the absence of both the city administrator and mayor. I ask for patience, understanding, and as much grace as you can muster as we work through this process.

A third issue that many have expressed concern with is the status of the police department. The chief of police currently is on medical leave and we expect him to return to duty when he is cleared to do so.

Beyond that, it is inappropriate for myself or any other council member to speak to personnel issues in public. These are confidential matters and we are not at liberty to discuss them.

While the chief is on leave, Officer Joel Anderson has been providing excellent service to the city, with the Whitman County Sheriff's Office assisting as needed.

A fourth issue I'd like to address is community involvement. Our representative democracy depends on your involvement. We love to hear from residents, so please show up to city council meetings, email, and call your council members, and let's have honest conversations with each other about the issues facing our community.

As I reflect on the situation in which we now find ourselves, I'm reminded that Palouse is a special place, it always has been and always will be. Things happen in Palouse that happen nowhere else because we aren't afraid to roll up our sleeves and do the hard work that is required to make Palouse a great place to live, work and recreate. But, determination and resilience will never be enough if we don't work together.

Having served on the city council for nearly four years, I can assure you that every council member has the best interests of Palouse at heart. Even in a community as small as Palouse, though, there are people with varied experiences and perspectives, and differing opinions. Nobody wins when we fight each other when we speak of our neighbors with hatred and vitriol.

Let us commit this day to renew our bonds of friendship and working together as neighbors to move Palouse forward.

If you have any questions or concerns, I invite you to contact me directly or reach out to any other member of the council.