SEQUIM — A veteran member of the City Council has resigned, and the city will immediately seek his successor, city officials announced Thursday.
Sequim Councilman Bill Huizinga notified the city by letter on Tuesday that he had moved out of the city limit, and — effective immediately — could no longer serve on the council, City Clerk Karen Kuznek-Reese said in a statement.
“I have enjoyed working with staff and council people over the years and will always treasure this time in my life,” Huizinga said in his letter.
Huizinga was appointed to the council in March 2001, elected to the council in 2002 and re-elected in 2006 and 2010.
Huizinga could not be reached for further comment.
Sequim Mayor Ken Hays said he did not know Huizinga’s new address.
“Councilor Huizinga’s contribution to the city these past 12 years, as a council member and as a community leader, is significant,” Hays said.
“His service is to be praised and respected. His shoes will be difficult to fill,” he added.
“I wish him and his family all the best and a fond farewell from the Sequim City Council. He will be missed.”
Huizinga’s term would have expired on Dec. 31, 2013.
The vacant council position will be filled by appointment.
Applications are available at Sequim City Hall, 152 W. Cedar St., call 360-683-4139 or they can be downloaded online at www.sequimwa.gov.
Completed applications must be submitted to the city clerk’s office by 4 p.m. Sept. 14.
Applicants must be registered voters, have a one-year continuous period of residence in the city of Sequim, and hold no other public office or employment under the city government.
Interviews for the vacant council position will be conducted by the city council at 6 p.m., Sept. 24., at the Sequim Transit Center, 190 W. Cedar St.
Applicants should expect to spend 20 to 40 hours each month on council business, Hays said.
That includes time spent in council meetings, reading council materials, attending events, attending committee assignments and serving as a council representative on regional commissions and committees, he said.
Most important, Hays added, the city needs a person willing to listen to other members of the council, and to get along, even if there is disagreement among members.
“We are six very independent, very different people,” he said, noting that that council members often have very different views of issues.
Hays said he thinks that, despite those differences, the council comes across as a “together council” because of the civility they bring to meetings.
“We get along and respect each other,” he said.
Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.