Richard Swart resigns from Cathlamet town council

Cathlamet town Council Member Richard Swart has resigned his position, effective January 1.

Swart has been hampered by health issues, especially after being struck by a vehicle in a hit and run collision in 2017.

He has a record of long service to the town, including terms as mayor and members of both the town council and planning commission.

Following is the text of his letter of resignation:

Dear Mayor, Council, and Department Heads,

I am resigning from Town of Cathlamet, WA Council Position #2 effective 12:01 a.m., January 1, 2018.

My plan was to recover from my fractured spine and finish out my term of office in December 2019. However, a couple other health problems have rendered that goal unfeasible.

It has been an honor to serve the Town since 2004. I look forward to seeing you keep up your service in the future. It is my hope that a suitable replacement can be recruited for Position #2.

Respectfully,

/S/ Richard A. Swart

The town is taking applications to fill the vacancy at the town hall office.

"The town is not required to advertise for the vacancy," Clerk/Treasurer Kerrie McNally said this week, "and there is already one, and now maybe two, applicants for the vacancy."

McNally said the applications will be given to the council for consideration, and the council will vote on the applications. In the event of a tie, the mayor has the deciding vote. The selected candidate would serve the remainder of Swart's term.

"Former Council Member Jean Burnham has given her application to complete Dick's term, and I gave out one other application last week," McNally said. "I have consulted with MRSC (Municipal Research and Services Center) and we are following correct procedure."