East Wenatchee appoints Bowe, Morton after interviews on growth, taxes and leadership

EAST WENATCHEE – Brooke Bowe and Simon Morton will join the East Wenatchee City Council following unanimous appointments Nov. 10, after interviews that tested seven applicants on growth, taxes, public involvement and spending priorities.

The council appointed Bowe to Position 1, formerly held by Taylor Stimmel, and Morton to Position 5, formerly held by Shayne Magdoff. Both appointments passed 5-0, with no competing nominations.

Bowe is a certified public accountant and assurance manager at CLA in Wenatchee. Morton is a registered nurse at Confluence Health and treasurer of his local Washington State Nurses Association unit.

They will be sworn in Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. Both terms expire Dec. 31, 2027.

Applicants answered three initial questions before an executive session. Council members then asked two additional questions before a second executive session and appointment votes in open session.

1. What are the top two issues or challenges facing the city and council?

Bowe identified managing growth and proactive transportation planning. She said development should preserve the quality of life attracting residents while providing for housing, parks, infrastructure and public safety.

She cited construction along Eastmont Avenue and elsewhere, noting effects on residents, businesses and emergency response times.

Morton identified sustainable growth and public health, emphasizing infrastructure, business recruitment and affordable housing.

He also proposed outreach to older residents with health or mobility problems and limited support. Drawing on his nursing experience, he suggested partnerships with health care providers and charitable organizations to address problems before they require hospitalization.

2. How would you handle controversial and complicated issues that may be unpopular?

Bowe emphasized listening to people with different experiences and viewpoints.

“I think that my approach to this position would be to assume that I am not the smartest person in the room, that I don’t have all of the information,” she said.

Her work in Seattle and Switzerland taught her that disagreement should not prevent respectful relationships, she said.

Morton described negotiating a nurses’ contract that included a flat ratification bonus. Some nurses preferred back pay covering negotiations after the previous contract expired.

He said he listened and explained the negotiating team’s reasoning, even when he could not change their minds.

“So when I talked to the upset members, I knew that I wasn’t going to necessarily convince them because some of them were missing out on thousands of dollars through this, but I stood by the decision,” Morton said.

3. Should the city take its allowable 1% regular property tax levy increase for 2027 or bank that capacity?

Applicants were asked how they would balance city finances against taxpayer impacts and which option they currently supported.

Bowe favored taking the increase, saying smaller, predictable adjustments would help residents prepare for future costs.

“Personally, I would be in support of a slow incremental increase in taking the 1% in the current year,” she said.

Morton wanted to hear the finance director’s next presentation before deciding but leaned toward banking the increase. He cited financial pressure on residents and the recently approved school bond, which he personally supported.

4. How would you increase public input in city decision-making?

Bowe emphasized word of mouth: conversations with neighbors, participation in community and chamber events, and connections with other parents.

Social media could help, she said, but the volume of content can make meaningful information difficult to find.

Morton proposed regular “sip and chat” gatherings at local businesses where residents could meet council members or city representatives. Businesses could promote the gatherings, potentially attracting customers while encouraging public involvement.

5. How would you spend a $1 million grant available for any city purpose?

Bowe would take several months to evaluate priorities and gather community feedback before spending. Infrastructure would be her likely focus, but she wanted to determine which investments warranted funding.

“I would act like I did not have a million dollars,” she said.

Morton favored an investment that prevented future costs or generated revenue. He leaned toward replacing City Hall’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, citing discussions with city officials about its estimated cost and potential savings.

Crawford also asked which applicants intended to run for election in 2027 if appointed. All seven raised their hands.

After the votes, she encouraged the other applicants to remain involved and consider future campaigns.

“For Simon and Brooke, the swearing in, we will do next Tuesday at our regular council meeting,” Crawford said. “And we’ll swear you in at the beginning of the meeting and get you busy making some decisions.”

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media