Former Stayton City Council candidate Steve Sims has been appointed to the council to fill a vacancy created when Mayor Brian Quigley took office this year.
Sims was appointed unanimously during the council’s regular meeting Feb. 21 from among a pool of five applicants.
Sims previously ran for one of three open council seats during last year’s General Election. He received 17 percent of the vote and came in fourth out of five candidates.
Quigley, who was elected mayor while serving on the council last November, said Feb. 21 that Sims’ willingness to run for office made him stand out as an applicant, as well as his active participation as chair of the Parks and Recreation Board.
“I have a lot of confidence in Steve’s ability to come up here and blend right in with us and have a good impact on the community,” said Quigley.
Councilor David Giglio said Sims’ willingness to attend council meetings as a citizen and stay civically engaged was a strong indication of how seriously Sims will take his new office. “I’ve really enjoyed just his commitment and just coming and participating in the process these last few months,” said Giglio.
Sims told Our Town it was “an honor and a privilege” to be appointed and said he’s joining an “amazing” team on the council.
“I truly care about our community and will strive to improve our quality of life in Stayton,” said Sims. “I am humbled to be a member of the council and ready for all the challenges that are coming.”
Four other residents applied for the open position including former Councilor Mark Kronquist, Cami Cornwell, Ken Carey and Peter Bellas. Quigley said it was difficult to choose between applicants because all were qualified and had individual strengths.
