FORKS — The City Council unanimously appointed Mike Breidenbach, a longtime resident, to fill a vacant position on the council this week.
Breidenbach has lived in the community for 35 years and works for Rayonier Timberlands, Mayor Nedra Reed said.
“He has a lot of experience working as a manager, with budgets and timber as well as working with tribal governments,” Reed said.
“I think he’ll be a real asset.”
Reed, who does not get a vote unless there is a tie on the City Council, said the council had a difficult time choosing a replacement.
Longtime council member Artie Anderson, 56, announced that he would step down in December but agreed to stay on until Monday’s meeting.
“Just as soon as he could, he vacated his seat on the council and very happily took a seat in the audience,” Reed said.
“It was really great to work with him, and we’ll really miss him.
“He is a very practical, down-to-earth decision maker.
“I’m sure, though, that Mike will fill his shoes admirably.”
Anderson ran for the position unopposed in 2007.
Anderson, who was the senior council member, also served as mayor pro tem when Reed was on vacation or not available.
Council member Pat Mansfield will now fill that position.
Reed officially swore in Breidenbach, who then took up the empty seat.
Forks City Council positions are for four-year terms and are unpaid, as is the elected mayor’s position.
The five council members and the mayor meet the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the council conference room at 500 E. Division St.
All council positions are at-large and, along with the mayor position, require residency within the city limit.
Anderson, who had been on the council for 17 years, said he has been planning a trip to Alaska for about 10 years.
He said he got involved in city government when his community was being annexed to Forks.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladaily news.com.
