PORT TOWNSEND — David King, who ran unopposed for a second term on the Port Townsend City Council in 2011 has been elected the town’s 48th mayor.
“I haven’t been as nervous as I am now since my eighth-grade piano recital,” King said after seating himself in the mayor’s chair on Tuesday night.
“I hope this turns out better.”
King was nominated by Mayor Michelle Sandoval and received unanimous support from the other five council members.
Councilwoman Kris Nelson, who also ran unopposed in the most recent election, was unanimously elected deputy mayor after a nomination by Councilman Mark Welch.
Along with King and Nelson, new council members Bob Gray and Deborah Stinson were also sworn in on Tuesday night.
In the Nov. 8 general election, Stinson defeated Jack Range by 20 votes for the Port Townsend City Council seat vacated by Laurie Medlicott, and Gray defeated Deputy Mayor George Randels.
Port Townsend has a “weak mayor” system that elects mayors from the council to serve in a largely ceremonial role.
The mayor receives $750 monthly while council members received $500 each month.
Sandoval, who is the only Port Townsend mayor to serve consecutive terms, said she approached King, a managing partner and the chief financial officer of Townsend Bay Marine, two years ago about taking over as mayor but he declined.
King accepted this time, he said, “because work has slowed down and I have the skills.”
“David is a crackerjack. He’s smart, funny and succinct in his comments,” Sandoval said during a break in the meeting.
“I have truly appreciated him while he was on the council.
“It has been a tough four years, with the ferries leaving and the bridge closing and the bad economy,” Sandoval added.
“It’s been a lot of work in what is essentially a volunteer job.”
Sandoval received accolades from King, other council members and City Manager David Timmons.
“The staff, to a person, admires you for the passion and the commitment that you have brought to the office,” Timmons said.
“We have accomplished a lot as a city but we would not have been able to achieve this without your leadership and encouragement and the standards that you set for us to meet.
“I had something clever to say about filling Michelle’s shoes, especially the little pointy ones, but I don’t think that is adequate to the task,” King said.
“The word I would use for her is ‘selfless.’
“She has accomplished a lot for the community and I will be twice as happy if I can do half as much.”
King said that he will rely on Sandoval for advice and continued mentorship.
“When she asked me to do serve as mayor, I said that I would rather do it now while she is on the council as a resource.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
