EDMONDS — Every City Council member threw up their hand in favor of confirming Michelle Bennett as chief of police during a virtual meeting Tuesday.
“Thank you so much for the opportunity,” Bennett said. “It’s been very fruitful six months, I’ve learned a lot. And this is a fantastic city with fantastic officers and city staff and community and it’s — I’m just very thankful and feel very blessed to be here.”
Council also approved Bennett’s employment contract, including an annual salary of $184,694.
Mayor Mike Nelson announced the pick last Thursday, following a national search that narrowed it down to three finalists, who participated in a public event and interviews with council members.
Michelle Bennett (Kevin Clark / Herald file)
This was the city’s second national police chief search within a year after the first resulted in Mayor Nelson withdrawing his offer. The decision to appoint Sherman Pruitt last December was made before it became public knowledge that he had a past allegation of domestic violence on his record, that he sued the city of Arlington over the arrest of his wife and that he omitted required information on his resume.
Bennett has been serving as acting chief since acting chief Jim Lawless left for a position in Marysville in March. Lawless was passed over for the permanent job.
Mayor Nelson was not present at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Isabella Breda: 425-339-3192; isabella.breda@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @BredaIsabella.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
Gallery
