Story Photos
 Photo by Bill Wagner Kelso City Council member Jack Keolker, front left, peppers candidates - from left, David Futcher, James Wallace Rogers II, Michael McCoy and Terrace Silik - with questions durning an interview session Wednesday night. The board selected Futcher as its neweset member. Seated at far left in the rear of the council chambers is the fifth candidate, Vincent O'Rourke, who arrived late. |
Kelso picks new council member
Thursday, January 13, 2005 7:31 AM PST
By Amy M. E. Fischer
Printable version
E-mail this articleThe Kelso City Council appointed a certified public accountant as its newest member Wednesday night following a two-hour round of interviews with five candidates.
David Futcher, 33, impressed the council with his professional experience and community involvement, Deputy Mayor Joe Wheeler said after the meeting. Council members Wheeler, Jack Keolker, Mark Chester and Mayor Don Gregory voted by secret ballot after a private 15-minute conference.
Councilman Al Slater was absent because he is recovering from head injuries he sustained falling off a ladder while taking down Christmas lights, Gregory said. Councilman Todd McDaniel also was not at the meeting.
Gregory lamented the difficulty of choosing one councilmen out of five "excellent" candidates and encouraged those who didn't get the job to serve on other boards so the city might benefit from their diverse knowledge.
Candidate Michael McCoy's strength appeared to lie in his ability to drum up volunteers and resources. James Wallace Rogers II knew how to win grants and funding for historic renovation projects. Terrace Sillik advocated promoting the city's Scottish heritage to boost tourism. Vincent O'Rourke talked about his 20 years' experience as a Southern California law enforcement officer.
"If these guys are a slice of our public ... we've got a good group of people here," Chester said. "These are ideas we need to hear."
Futcher, who is Kelso Rotary president, said his background in finance would be helpful in deciding the city's budget matters. At one point, Chester brought up the public criticism that comes with serving on the council. He asked the candidates, who were interviewed as a panel (with the exception of late arrival O'Rourke), "Can you guys take the heat?"
Futcher said he could. "I'm used to having to deliver unpopular news in my line of work," he said.
Futcher told the council he has wanted to serve on city boards for "some time," but he only recently moved his business from downtown Longview to West Kelso. The job appeals to him because "we can't all sit back and expect everyone else to do the volunteer work for the city and get what we want out of it," he said.
Futcher, who is married with two young children, said he planned to run for election in November. He is replacing Kathleen Johnson, who retired in December after she was elected Cowlitz County Commissioner.
Past Month's Most Commented Stories