PORT TOWNSEND — Brent Butler said the economy is the main reason he has resigned from the Port Townsend City Council.
Butler, who was elected in November 2007, said his final council meeting will be Monday, April 13.
“This really is an indicator of the economy,” Butler said.
“If things had not soured, I would still be employed and still be able to serve on the council.”
Butler said he was laid off from his job as a senior planner with the city of Bainbridge Island at the end of March. He has taken a job with the city of Elmore County, Idaho, where he will serve as director of growth and development.
“I won’t be able to do both at the same time,” Butler said.
“I’m going to have to leave the community to take the job.”
Meanwhile, the City Council will have to find someone in the community to fill Butler’s role.
City Manager David Timmons said the council would fill Butler’s seat with an interim council member from the community.
“That individual will serve until the next general election,” Timmons said.
“Then if they want to run for election, they will need to declare.”
An election will be held in November to fill the remainder of Butler’s term — which ends in 2011.
Also up for re-election in November are Mayor Michelle Sandoval, Councilman Mark Welch and Councilwoman Catharine Robinson.
Butler said his is not a unique situation.
“[The city of] Bainbridge Island laid off most of the people they hired in the last two years,” Butler said.
“I’ve heard they will now be looking at laying off people who have been with the city as far back as 10 years.”
Butler took the job with Bainbridge Island in 2007, just before he was elected to the City Council.
Before that, he worked for Jefferson County as the lead long-range planner.
Butler changed jobs so there would be no conflict of interest in his work on the council when matters came up regarding the county.
“If I had stayed with the county, I would probably still have my job,” Butler said.
Butler was a constant advocate for affordable housing on the council. Last year he voted against the city budget for 2009 due to the lack of funding for affordable housing development.
“It was because I was the only renter on the council,” he said.
“I hope I am replaced with someone who is also in support of the housing issue.
“It’s the most concerning issue the city is facing, and I hope to see the city support it in the future.”
Butler said he hopes to return to Jefferson County in the future but for now is focusing on moving to Idaho.
“They are working on some really exciting projects there,” he said.
“There is always a silver lining somewhere.
“I just have to find it.”
Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
