Sequim Gazette staff

A retired U.S. Air Force officer is now serving the City of Sequim following city council’s decision to appoint Dennis Smith to Bill Huizinga’s vacant seat.

Smith, a Sequim resident for 3½ years, won the spot on Monday, Oct. 1, with a nomination by Councilor Don Hall and yes votes from Hall, Erik Erichsen, Ted Miller and Candace Pratt.

Councilor Laura Dubois and Hays voted for Eileen Cummings, a semi-retired real estate company owner from Fairbanks, Alaska. Miller nominated Genaveve Starr, a retired Peninsula College administrative assistant, but she was not considered past the first round of votes. Ron Fairclough also interviewed.

Councilors adjourned to a 30-minute executive session after the interviews before returning to vote.

After the meeting, Smith said, “It’s an honor and privilege,” to be appointed and his first goal is to attack the upcoming budget.

When asked about Sequim’s problems, Smith said, “One of the biggest problems Sequim has, and there’s not much we can do much about, is the economy.”

“It’s not allowing for a lot of growth,” he said.