by MATTHEW NASH
Sequim Gazette

Tenured city councilman Bill Huizinga has resigned after moving from within the city limits to Agnew in the past week.

 

Huizinga told the Gazette he and his family have wanted to move to the country for a while and the opportunity arose so they took it.

 

In a letter to the city, he wrote, “I have moved out of town and can no longer serve as a city councilman. I regret that I can no longer hold this position because I chose to live in the country.”

 

Appointed to city council in March 26, 2001, to replace Kate Sheffield, Huizinga sought election and won in 2002. City voters re-elected him in 2006 and 2010. His term would have expired Dec. 31, 2013.

 

As for what work he’s most proud of, Huizinga said it was work that never made it to fruition with the Affordable Housing Coalition.

 

“I still feel there’s a lot of work to do in that front,” he said.

 

Huizinga, an advocate for lower building fees, also said he was proud of helping city staff accomplish putting the city in a financial position to encourage economic growth.

 

“As a council back in the day, we approved some rezones and adjusted some fees which made it easier for commercial growth,” he said. “That worked.”

Compliments to the staff

Ultimately, Huizinga credited the city council’s accomplishments to city staff.

 

“A city councilman’s an enabler. It’s all staff work. As a city councilman you set policy,” he said.

 

Huizinga said he’s proud of working with great people on staff and with the city council.

 

“It was an opportunity to work with outstanding people both in the committees I’ve worked on and with the city council,” he said. “I also made some really good friends.”

 

In the letter, he gave his best wishes to current councilors, and said despite disagreeing on some issues they always remained cordial and respectful.

 

Mayor Ken Hays said Huizinga’s contribution as a council member and community leader is significant.

 

“His service is to be praised and respected. His shoes will be difficult to fill. I wish him and his family all the best and a fond farewell from the Sequim City Council,” Hays said. “ He will be missed.”

 

City Manager Steve Burkett said Huizinga sat on the hiring committee for his position and he’s sad to see him leave the council.

 

“I’ve had a great experience working with him and he’s worked well with the rest of the council,” Burkett said.

 

Huizinga, a former real estate agent, broker and developer, teacher, and Air Force pilot, continues to work for Clallam County.

Council’s future

As in Huizinga’s 2001 appointment, city council will choose an applicant to fill his open seat through December 2013.

 

Guidelines state interested candidates must be registered voters of the City of Sequim, have lived one year in the city and hold no other public office or employment under the city government.

 

Burkett said he emphasizes that applicants must have an independent voice but be able to work well with the rest of the city council while making effective decisions in the end.

 

Deadline is 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14. Apply at Sequim City Hall, 152 W. Cedar St., call 683-4139, or visit www.sequimwa.gov.

 

Interviews begin at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, at the regularly scheduled council meeting in the Sequim Transit Center, 190 W. Cedar St. The salary is $150 per month.