Julia Johnson selected as new Mayor of Sedro-Woolley

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Skagit Valley Herald   Published January 11th by Scott Terrell

SEDRO-WOOLLEY -- Julia Johnson, a first-term Sedro-Woolley city councilwoman, was selected Wednesday night to replace Keith Wagoner as mayor.

Johnson was approved unanimously for the position by the City Council after Judith Dunn Lee, also a first-term city councilwoman, withdrew her name from consideration.

Johnson will serve as mayor through 2019, completing Wagoner's term.

"We (in the council) have worked together in a fabulous way these last two years," Johnson said," Johnson said.  "I hope that I bring honor to the city and hope I'll be able to provide the city what it needs at this time."

Wagoner was appointed to the state Senate last Wednesday, filling a vacancy left by Kirk Pearson in the 39th Legislative District.

Johnson was elected to the City Council in November 2015.  It was her first experience as am elected official.

Her position on the council gave her insight into what the job of mayor entails.

"I know what the responsibility is," she said.  "I already knew I had many qualifications."

She said she sees the city as moving in the right direction, and hopes to use her new position to keep the momentum going, specifically with the building of a new library in a joint effort with the Central Skagit Library.

After voicing interest in running at a 6 PM special meeting, Dunn Lee withdrew her name from consideration before voting began at the regular council meeting at 7 PM.

The City Council now needs to fill Johnson's council seat, a process Sedro-Woolley Supervisor and Attorney Eron Berg said should take about six weeks.

The city needs to advertise the vacancy, have the City Council consider applicants at a meeting, then conduct interviews and make a selection at the following meeting.  "It could get done...in a bout a month, but it will probably take about six weeks, " Berg said.

The lone requirements for the council position are that applicants need to be registered voters and residents of Sedro-Woolley for at least a year, he said.

Wagoner, the newly minted state senator, resigned as mayor effective Sunday. 

The council voted Friday to limit potential replacements to current council members.

 

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