New job forces Sultan councilman to resign

SULTAN — The economic crunch forced a city councilman to leave office late last week.

Jim Flower resigned from the Sultan City Council so he can work an evening shift at his new job.

His resignation means he also will step down from the Snohomish Health District Board of Health, an appointed position held by elected officials. He was serving as chairman of the district.

Local leaders called the dual departures a disappointment.

“I have a deep respect for him and will very much miss his leadership,” said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, health officer for the Snohomish Health District.

Flower, 51, said his personal finances led to the resignations. He has operated his own machine shop in Sultan for 23 years.

“The economy’s changed to a point where I can no longer stay afloat,” he said.

He started a new position with manufacturer Damar AeroSystems of Monroe last week, and is working from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. The shift conflicts with City Council meetings, forcing him to resign last Thursday.

Sultan Mayor Carolyn Eslick said Flower’s business experience brought a strong voice to the seven-member council.

“He was a really great balance,” she said.

Flower began serving on the City Council in 2004. His current four-year term is set to conclude at the end of 2011.

“Jim’s going to be a huge loss for sure,” Sultan city administrator Deborah Knight said. “He was a well-seasoned councilmember.”

The council plans to discuss its search for Flower’s replacement at its June 10 meeting. His successor may be appointed by the council to finish out Flower’s term, which pays $40 per council meeting.

Meanwhile, Bothell Mayor Mark Lamb is taking over as chairman of the health district, a seat held by Flower for 1½ years. Lamb was the vice chair of the district.

As a member of the health district, Flower represented Snohomish, Sultan, Gold Bar and Index. Those cities will need to appoint an elected official to fill his spot.

Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455, arathbun@heraldnet.com.