SEQUIM – Some 55 acres in and around this city are open now to higher-density housing development, while a little more than 12 acres are ripe for commercial buildings, following the Sequim City Council’s approval of a far-reaching set of rezoning proposals Monday night.
But a lone councilman – the newest one – made his presence felt by voting against almost every zoning change.
He also opposed three other measures that the rest of the council has long supported.
Erik Erichsen, elected Nov. 6 to replace Bob Anundson on the council, was sworn in Nov. 28 – sooner than the other newly elected council members – because Anundson was an appointed council member, and by law, appointees must relinquish their seats if defeated in an election.
The three other newcomers – Ken Hays, Laura Dubois and Susan Lorenzen – will be sworn in Jan. 14.
In the early going on Monday evening, Erichsen voted against the City Council’s allocation of $100,000 for teen programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula.
He also voted against an agreement between the council and the Master Gardeners of Clallam County to establish a demonstration garden and classroom facility just north of Carrie Blake Park.
On those two issues, he was outnumbered 4-1, with the council members at Monday’s meeting – Don Hall, Paul McHugh, Mayor Walt Schubert and Bill Huizinga – voting for them.
Erichsen also cast the lone vote against a set of 2007 budget amendments.
These expenses – things like replacement of the dishwasher at the Guy Cole Convention Center and a cost overrun on the Whitefeather Way leg of the Olympic Discovery Trail – already had been approved one at a time by the other council members.
They’re brought together on a list for final approval at year’s end.
