Candidate announces write-in campaign for town council

Former Cathlamet mayor and councilmember Dick Swart announced Friday that he would be a write-in candidate for Cathlamet Town Council.

Swart said he had learned that Angie Pugh, who had filed for a council position 3, has moved out of Cathlamet and thus doesn't qualify to be a councilmember. He is a candidate for that position.

David Goodroe now holds the position but didn't file for re-election.

In his announcement, Swart said he believes it is important for voters to elect a councilmember. Otherwise, it could take months before a replacement is appointed to the vacant position.

"The council will lose a lot of 'organizational memory' and fiscal savvy when David retires," Swart said. "The town is in the midst of the largest public works project in its history (the new waste water treatment plant), and faces many challenges from the lagging economy."

Swart served on the town planning commission in 2003-04. He served on the council 2004-05 and as mayor 2005-09. He was re-appointed to the planning commission in 2010 and serves as chair of that board.

"I will bring to the council a strong background in public service," he said. "I have also run a profitable private business, so I know what it means to get things done, meet a payroll, and deal with government. I believe that I have established a reputation for fairness and hard work in public service and in volunteer community service."

Swart is now a member of the town planning commission.