City leaders take oath of office

Mayor and new City Council members swear to uphold laws
BY PAM STEVENS | EDITOR After months of campaigning and thousands of doors knocked on, newly elected leaders from Lake Stevens finally got to take their oath of office and swear to uphold all federal, state and city laws.

At last week’s City Council meeting on Monday, Jan. 7, Mayor Vern Little along with newly elected City Council members Mark Somers and John Spencer raised their right hand and took their oath of office in front of family, friends and Lake Stevens citizens.

Suzanne Quigley was also sworn in that night after having been appointed to the council last February and then winning her seat back in last November’s elections for a four-year term.

Little was quick to recognize his family and especially his wife Kathy, acknowledging the fact that he could not have taken on this huge commitment without her support.

“I’m really happy to be your Mayor,” he said, thanking his family for putting up with his crazy schedule.

Little was on the City Council prior to being appointed to the empty mayoral seat in November 2006 after Mayor Lynn Walty stepped down. This was Little’s first election running for Mayor.

During his campaign Little strongly expressed his hopes for managing the city’s growth.

“We will not stop growth but we can manage it,” he said.

Newcomer Mark Somers ran against incumbent Karen Alessi and worked very hard doorbelling and talking to residents during the campaign. In the end, it was his perseverance that won him the election.

Somers has a passion for this community and his family, which was evident as he took his oath and introduced his wife, Pam and his visiting extended family.

John Spencer has been a resident for over 20 years and has an extensive background in economic development. He too thanked his wife for her support.

“Terri was my Campaign Manager and kept pushing me along,” he said.
Spencer also gave kudos to his opponent, Kerry Watkins for running a clean race.

“I would also like to thank Kerry Watkins, who is in the room, for running a good campaign and bringing a lot of good issues out,” Spencer said.

Kathy Holder was the other winner of the City Council race. However, Holder was sworn in last November after election certifications.

Holder holds what is called a “short term” because when appointed to her council seat last spring, the seat still had three years left in its term. Her seat will be up for re-election again in 2010. As of now, Holder plans to run for that seat again.

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