EVERETT – Planning Commissioner Drew Nielsen was sworn in Thursday as Everett’s newest City Council member.
The council Thursday voted 4-2 to appoint Nielsen over business consultant Robert Strickland and restaurant owner Jim Staniford. Nielsen replaces Doug Campbell, who resigned to take an economic development job in his native Nebraska.
“Drew brings just a wealth of experience and commitment to service to the city,” said Councilman Mark Olson, citing Nielsen’s long record of involvement on city boards and commissions.
City Councilwoman Brenda Stonecipher worked with Nielsen on the planning commission before she was elected to the council in November.
“He’s a great listener, and he comes to decision-making with an open mind,” she said. “He’s someone who thinks things through and is willing to be persuaded by input.”
Nielsen, 53, an attorney, said he plans to spend the first few months learning about issues facing the council.
“My long-range goal is to implement things discussed in the vision team,” he said.
Nielsen is a member of Mayor Ray Stephanson’s vision team, which is talking about long-range plans and goals for the city.
Council members publicly interviewed the three finalists for Campbell’s seat Thursday morning before meeting privately to discuss their merits.
After less than 20 minutes, they emerged for a vote. Olson, Stonecipher and council members Marian Krell and Bob Overstreet voted for Nielsen. Council President Arlan Hatloe and Councilman Ron Gipson preferred Strickland.
After Hatloe called Nielsen to congratulate him, Nielsen walked to the Wall Street Building, where deputy city clerk Tam Moen swore him in.
Hatloe said he voted for Strickland only because he knew him better than Nielsen.
“I’m really happy with the outcome,” Hatloe said. “I think either one of them could do a great job.”
Nielsen plans to stay on the vision team. However, he must resign from the planning commission and from the presidency of the city’s tree committee.
During his 14 years of civic involvement in Everett, Nielsen has served as chairman of the Shoreline Public Access Advisory Committee and of the Council of Neighborhoods, and was a member of the Charter Review Committee, Growth Management Advisory Committee, Parks and Recreation Department Comprehensive Plan Committee and Broadway Design Standards Advisory Committee.
Reporter David Olson: 425-339-3452 or dolson@heraldnet.com.
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