After five years of dedicated service, Council member Mike French has submitted a letter of resignation from the Port Angeles City Council, effective December 31, 2022. The Council will seek applicants to fill the vacant position in the weeks ahead.
Following his departure from the City of Port Angeles, French will begin his new role as Clallam County Commissioner.
Council member French was first elected to City Council Position #2 in 2017, and later re-elected for a second term in 2021. He has served the Port Angeles community in many civic roles and is currently on the board of the Olympic Peninsula Community Clinic and Vice President of the Hamilton Elementary PTO.
“It’s been a great honor serving with all of you for the last 5 years, certainly one of the highlights of my life. When I first ran for City Council in May of 2017, I had only a sliver of insight into how much hard work by how many devoted people went into running our City and serving its citizens. Participating in a small part of that hard work and getting to know some of those devoted people has forever changed my life, bringing me new experiences and lasting friendships,” Council member French said in his letter.
The City looks forward to collaborating with French in his new role on the many issues that are so important to our community.
"It has been a pleasure working with Council member French on the Port Angeles City Council. We were elected at the same time and discovered, along with Council members Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin and Jim Moran, that the learning curve is steep. Mike has brought some great ideas to Council, and he is always interested in a thoughtful policy discussion. We haven't always seen eye-to-eye and I appreciate his ability to listen to other's perspectives and clearly articulate his ideas. I am looking forward to working with him as a County Commissioner, " said Mayor Kate Dexter.
The City Council will soon take steps to fill the vacancy. The process, governed by RCW 42.12.070, requires the City to fill the position within 90 days of the occurrence of the vacancy, or December 31st. The person appointed will serve until the results of the November 2023 General Election are certified. A subsequent election for this position will be held in November of 2024. Council is expected to discuss this process during the December 6th City Council meeting.
The hybrid meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, located at 321 East 5th Street. Virtual attendance options will be available for those who wish to attend by phone or video conference.
