East Wenatchee City Council swears in returning, newly elected members

EAST WENATCHEE — The East Wenatchee City Council opened its Tuesday, Dec. 16 meeting by administering oaths of office to recently elected and returning council members, marking the start of a new term for some and the continuation of service for others.

Mayor Jerrilea Crawford presided over the swearing-in ceremony.

Matthew Hepner was sworn in to another four-year term after being re-elected to his current position. Hepner, who has previously served multiple terms on the council, took the oath for Council Position 7.

Ettore Castallente was also sworn in Tuesday night. Castallente, who previously served on the council in Position 3, moved into a new seat in Position 4 following a vacancy and was sworn in to complete the remainder of the current term as well as a full four-year term for that position.

Paul Harrison, who was elected to the seat vacated by Castallente, participated in the ceremony but will not formally take office until the start of the new term. Harrison addressed the council briefly, thanking East Wenatchee voters and expressing enthusiasm about the city’s future.

Harrison introduced members of his family who were present for the ceremony, including his wife, Naomi Harrison, his daughter, Zoe Harrison, and Zoe’s boyfriend, Nick. The group posed for photos following the swearing-in.

Several current councilmembers were present for the meeting, including Castallente, Taylor Stimmel, Ken Arnold, Christine Johnson, and Hepner. Shayne Magdoff attended remotely via Zoom.

Following the swearing-in ceremonies and approval of consent agenda items, the council recessed into executive session to discuss potential litigation.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media