Members of the Yelm City Council took the opening minutes of its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 28 to thank former councilors Ashley Brooks and Amanda Johnstone as they departed the council. Their replacements, Tracey Wood and Trevor Palmer, were elected during the 2023 November general election.
Johnstone was appointed to a vacant seat on the council on June 13, 2023, after former Councilor James Blair resigned. She opted not to run in the 2023 election.
Like Johnstone, Brooks was appointed on Oct. 11, 2022, after the seat was vacated by former Councilor Line Roy.
“For both of you, thank you so much for your service and dedication to the city. It’s hard to come in being appointed through the appointment process, which is very difficult. There were a lot of people that applied for it in both your cases,” Mayor Joe DePinto said. “Congratulations on making it this far in all the things you’ve both done for this community. Both of you were very engaged, very active in attending all these different events.”
Councilors Joseph Richardson, Joshua Crossman and Holly Smith each thanked the departing city councilors for their contributions to Yelm. Councilor Crossman presented each of them with exotic wood coasters as a gift.
Councilors Brian Hess and Terry Kaminski also thanked the departing councilors for the work they’ve done both on the City Council and within the city itself.
“I just want to say thank you for wanting to step up and taking that big step to support and represent the community, additionally also for your activism you do out there on the streets themselves,” Hess said. “Keep it up. You guys are doing good work.”
Kaminski added, “When you both stood up, I voted for each of you because I found you both to be incredibly articulate. I really respect and appreciate that. You’ve done a great job.”
Meanwhile, Richardson retained his seat on the council after winning his election against Jerry Toompas for the Position No. 2 seat.
Following the council’s departing message to Johnstone and Brooks, Wood, Palmer and Richardson each took their oath and their seats on the council.
