GRESHAM CITY COUNCIL SELECTS 7TH MEMBER TO FILL VACANCY - APPOINTEE KARYLINN ECHOLS REPLACES SHIRLEY CRADDICK IN THE POSITION 3 SEAT
Posted: January 18th, 2011 4:36 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-01/1046/41314/Councilor_Karylinn_Echols_Council_Position_3.JPG
GRESHAM, Ore. – In a unanimous decision, Karylinn Echols was appointed from among six candidates Tuesday, Jan. 18 to fill the vacant Position 3 seat on the Gresham City Council.
Echols' six new Council colleagues – polled independently during the selection process - strongly agreed that, as a previously elected Gresham City Councilor, Echols was the best choice because voters had already shown high confidence in her. She served on Council between 2005 and 2007.
They also cited Echols' proven track record of public engagement in Gresham, where she has lived for 13 years, and her deep understanding of the issues facing the City. In addition to serving on City Council, she has also served on the boards of the Center for the Arts Foundation and MetroEast Community Media, and is a frequent volunteer in the Gresham-Barlow School District.
"I feel honored to serve the citizens of Gresham," Echols said, "and look forward to working with Council, citizen volunteers and staff in continuing our forward momentum as the best city in Oregon."
As a Councilor, Echols said her top priorities will include spurring job growth, pushing ahead with urban renewal and making tough decisions regarding the City budget. She also recognized the other candidates for the Council seat, pointing out that "every single one of them is very committed to community service and cares deeply about Gresham and its citizens."
All six candidates were interviewed by the Council on Jan. 13. A Council subcommittee subsequently met, then elected officials were separately polled for their top choice. Echols was the top choice of each member of the Council.
At the same time, elected officials encouraged the five applicants who were not selected to continue their participation in City advisory groups and activities, noting their qualifications and public-service commitment.
Echols' background includes work in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Presently she is executive director of the National Association of Hospital Hospitality Homes Inc., a professional nonprofit association serving more than 200 members. She also holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Management.
Echols replaces Shirley Craddick, who vacated the seat at the end of 2010 to join the Metro Council, and will serve as appointee until the next election where Gresham voters have at least one item to consider on the ballot. At the time of such an election, Echols would be required to seek voter approval to remain in the seat until the term expires in December 2012.
- 30-
Replies to this message do not go back to the sender.
Go to http://FlashAlert.net/login.html to change or delete these messages.
