East Wenatchee to interview nine applicants, vote on two City Council seats Nov. 10

EAST WENATCHEE – The East Wenatchee City Council will interview all nine applicants for two vacant seats at a special meeting Nov. 10, Mayor Jerrilea Crawford said. The agenda calls for the council to nominate and vote on candidates for both seats that night.

The openings are for Position 1, formerly held by Taylor Stimmel, and Position 5, formerly held by Shayne Magdoff. Both terms run through Dec. 31, 2027. The city received 10 applications, and one applicant withdrew before the council reviewed the remaining nine on Nov. 3.

Under the proposed format, each applicant will have two minutes for an opening statement, answer the same three questions and have two minutes for a closing statement. The city clerk will draw names to set the speaking order. After the public interviews, the council will review the candidates’ qualifications in executive session before returning to open session for nominations and votes. An appointment requires a majority of the councilmembers present.

The applicants

Ronald “Ronn” Andrus is a U.S. Postal Service building equipment mechanic who has also coordinated mailbox locations for new development. He called for faster responses to residents, clearer communication from City Hall and better upkeep of neighborhood streets and parks.

Brooke Bowe is a certified public accountant and audit manager in Wenatchee. She called for earlier planning to address congestion on Grant Road and state Route 28, along with clearer information for residents about major city projects.

Jason Grover coordinates sports tourism for Visit Wenatchee and previously managed a hotel. He said he would bring experience working with local sports organizations and businesses and wants the city to keep residents better informed about current and upcoming projects.

Terry Heldreth is a registered nurse who returned to East Wenatchee in 2024 after previously living in the city. Heldreth called for stronger partnerships with health care providers and community organizations on issues including behavioral health and substance use prevention.

Kayla Hodges is an administrative services specialist at RiverCom 911 and an Eastmont graduate. She called for more sidewalks and flashing crosswalks to make it safer for children to walk or bike to school.

James Marshall is an East Wenatchee police officer and former patrol sergeant. He wants roads and utilities to keep pace with development and called for better coordination to connect people experiencing homelessness with services. City Clerk Laura Leon said at the Nov. 3 meeting that the applicant employed by the city would have to choose between his job and the council seat if appointed.

Simon Morton is a registered nurse who serves as treasurer of his local Washington State Nurses Association unit. He called for allowing a wider range of housing while making sure roads, utilities and emergency services can support new development.

Randal Moseley is a physician who served on the Wenatchee Valley Medical Center board during the formation of Confluence Health. He emphasized weighing evidence and different viewpoints, and balancing growth with preservation and public safety with individual liberties.

Johnathan Thomas manages operations at Pybus Public Market and serves as lead pastor of Pacific Crest Church. He called for earlier public input, more bilingual communication and periodic review of how well the city’s at-large council system serves different neighborhoods.

Residents can read the nine applications in the city’s Nov. 10 meeting packet, then hear how each applicant answers the same three questions before the council votes on who will fill the two seats. East Wenatchee City Council agendas and packets

The interviews and any appointment votes are open to the public. Residents can attend in the council chambers at East Wenatchee City Hall, 271 9th St. NE, or watch live on Zoom.

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