PORT TOWNSEND — The City Council came together Tuesday to unanimously elect Mark Welch as mayor and Michelle Sandoval as vice mayor.
The votes came after Jefferson County District Court Judge Mark Huth swore in Welch, Sandoval and Scott Walker as newly elected council members.
Vowing to do his best as mayor, Welch said, “I believe this community will be best served with this council.”
Before an audience of about a dozen people, the new mayor echoed his campaign pledge, saying, “My task as mayor is to see that everyone’s viewpoint is fairly and equitably heard.
“I take that charge very seriously.”
Welch, 55, is a Port Townsend High School teacher in video production, photography, digital imaging and advanced media.
A council member from 1997-99, Welch upset incumbent Councilman Kees Kolff in the Nov. 8 general election. Kolff was seeking a second term.
Welch also has served on the city Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and PEG Board, which guides the city’s public access cable TV station, PTTV.
Welch campaigned on a platform of bringing more open, accountable and accessible government to Port Townsend.
The mayor is largely a ceremonial position, and is paid $750 a month.
