On Jan. 24, city councilors approved making the Sequim Gazette the city’s official newspaper for 2011.

They voted 5-0, with Mayor Ken Hays abstaining and councilor Erik Erichsen excused.

 

The state requires that cities like Sequim seek competitive bids for the position because some statutes require the city to publish certain items, such as ordinance publications.

 

The Gazette held the position until 2006 when the city chose the Peninsula Daily News due to more development activity and the need for nearly daily publications. Development has slowed in the city, so staff said publishing almost daily no longer is critical.

 

Karen Kuznek-Reese, city clerk; Craig Ritchie, city attorney; Joe Irvin, interim planning director; and Barbara Hanna, communications manager, interviewed staff from each newspaper and thought either would be well-qualified. The decision came down to expense and circulation within the city limits.