The Vidette

The Montesano City Council again will look to fill a vacancy following the resignation of a recently appointed councilwoman.

Lori Benedict, who was appointed in June, announced her resignation on Sept. 19.

According to Mayor Vini Samuel, Benedict resigned because she took a new job in Seattle.

“It was based on a change of employment. She contacted me and said it would be very difficult for her to effectively continue (serving on the council),” Samuel said on Sept. 27.

Benedict was appointed in June to fill a vacancy created by the April resignation of former councilman Pat Herrington.

Benedict and Randy Bachtell both applied for that vacancy. Following some disagreement about the need for an executive session to discuss the applicants, Benedict was appointed to the position by a 5-1 vote with Councilman Dave Skaramuca casting the dissenting vote.

“So we are here again with the same seat for a council (vacancy). I would like for us to have some time frame that the council is comfortable with,” Samuel said on Sept. 27.

The city will advertise for the position with the last day to apply on Oct. 20. The council hopes to appoint Benedict’s replacement during the Oct. 25 council meeting.