Taylor Stimmel sworn in to East Wenatchee City Council

EAST WENATCHEE — With family looking on, Taylor Stimmel took the oath of office Tuesday night and joined the East Wenatchee City Council as its newest member. Mayor Jerrilea Crawford administered the oath — joking about needing her glasses before finding the text — and invited Stimmel to sign the documents and introduce his family.

Stimmel noted his wife, Leah, and their son, Paysen, who he said is a dedicated wake surfer and recently placed second at a world competition in Geneva. Their two daughters, both in college, could not attend. After a round of photos, Crawford welcomed Stimmel to “the team,” then ushered him to the dais with a laugh: “When you’re the newest person on the council, you get the short chair.”

A full roll call followed, including remote attendance from Councilmember Castellente, and Stimmel was seated for City Council Position 1. Applause from the packed chamber marked the moment, and Stimmel immediately joined the evening’s business, restoring the council to a full complement and voting on the consent agenda that covered recent minutes, vouchers, and two agreements.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do my entire life,” said Councilmember Taylor Stimmel. “I’ve wanted to be involved within the city that I love and I’m excited to be here.”

Crawford thanked Stimmel’s family for their support and noted the council’s full bench heading into a busy fall calendar. “We’re glad to have you up here,” she said, nodding to the new councilmember before moving the meeting along.

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