EPHRATA — On Monday night, the Ephrata City Council and Mayor-Elect Steve Oliver attended a workshop to discuss roles and swear in Oliver and the council’s newest member.  

Council member Sarah McDonnell did not seek re-election for position one during the 2025 general election. She was thanked by the rest of the council for her service earlier in December.  

James Mathis ran unopposed for the position, getting 1,189 votes, with 28 write-in votes. He said he is excited to take over the role and be more involved in his local government.  

“My primary goals are to learn and see what can be improved,” he said. “I am excited to get more involved and learn more about the community that I have lived, nearly, my whole life.”  

He said he is new to politics, with a career as a teacher. He said he is currently a full-time high school math teacher in the Brewster School District.  

“I think if there are going to be any challenges, it is going to be balancing my work in Brewster and serving on the council in Ephrata,” he said. “I think I have a pretty good handle on my job in Brewster and my time management skills are going to get a workout. So, I think that challenge will not be that hard to tackle.”  

Mathis said he has been in the Ephrata community for nearly 20 years, moving here in the third grade. He said he enjoys the size and the community. 

“I appreciate that it’s not overly small. There is still stuff to do, but it’s still a pretty tight-knit community,” he said.  

Mathis said his email is open to residents who may have concerns, questions or comments about the council. He also said there are opportunities for public comment at every council meeting, which residents can use to address issues to the entire council.  

“I am always open to suggestions and feedback,” he said.