Newly elected West University Place City Council, mayor take oaths of office

All four newly elected West University Place City Council members and the mayor were officially sworn into office after the certificates of election were presented to them at a May 19 council meeting.

Two candidates previously served on City Council, John Barnes and John Bertini. Kalie Jackura Rainsberger will serve her first term on City Council, while Clay Brett will serve his second term. After the ceremony, council member Brett spoke about incumbent Mayor Pro Tem John Montgomery’s tenure on council.

“I don’t know if there has been any other servant to this city who has more steadfastly stood behind their own ideas and principles without compromise for any reason the way you have,” he said. “It’s been absolutely exemplary seeing the model of leadership and judgement that you’ve shown over the four years you have been up here.”

West U residents voted for all four council member positions and the mayor, each serving two-year terms.

What they’re saying

Incumbent Mayor Susan Sample ran uncontested and secured another term as mayor. She thanked outgoing council members and also congratulated the newly sworn in members.

“I personally think working with our new candidates and Clay, these are going to be the best two years ever. So I want everyone to stay engaged with us,” Sample said. “We're going to set our goals that people want and reach them.”