On Tuesday, February 5, 2019, the Issaquah City Council appointed Lindsey Walsh of Issaquah Highlands as the newest city councilmember.
Walsh was among a pool of five candidates, four of whom live in Issaquah Highlands. Applicants submitted lengthy applications to express their interest in serving, and on January 14, 2019 stood before the council and the public to provide a ten-minute speech about why they wanted to serve. (See picture above, and our story here>>>.)
By the February 5 regular City Council meeting, the pool had winnowed to three: Walsh, Michele Kemper, also from Issaquah Highlands, and Kathrine Hurt. Councilmembers grilled these three with questions about affordable housing, economic development and investments. All three were praised by the council for their expertise and capabilities.
With an seat empty, the council had only six members, a circumstance inviting a tie vote, which was the first vote. After two executive session discussions, and two votes, the council was still tied, voting three for Kemper and three for Walsh.
“It was quite nerve racking,” Walsh shared afterwards.
Finally, the council voted 4-2 in favor of Walsh. Walsh was sworn into office immediately and joined her fellow councilmembers to participate in the rest of the meeting’s business.
Of her appointment Walsh says, “It is an honor to serve the City of Issaquah in 2019. I look forward to putting in the hard work this year on the Council.”
This council seat had been vacated by Bill Ramos, who left after winning election to the State of Washington House of Representatives.
Walsh’s appointment term runs until November 2019. She has until May to decide whether she will run an election for office to remain on the council.
