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Wilson Creek seeks applicants to fill mayoral vacancy

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 hours, 53 minutes AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | October 30, 2026 3:10 AM

WILSON CREEK — The Town of Wilson Creek is seeking letters of interest from residents interested in serving as mayor following the resignation of Mayor Rob Herron. 

Herron resigned effective Sept. 29, citing other commitments that limited the time he could dedicate to the position, according to Town Clerk Kaci Anderson. 

“He's busy with some other jobs, like full-time work, and he said he doesn't have the time to devote to the town that he feels the town deserves,” Anderson said. 

The town council announced the vacancy and is now accepting applications from qualified residents interested in serving the remainder of the current term through Nov. 23, 2027. 

According to Anderson, the appointment process will include public interviews before the council selects a replacement. 

“The council will accept letters of interest, and then they will appoint someone from the applicants,” Anderson said. “We'll do public interviews at an upcoming council meeting.” 

Following the interviews, council members will meet in executive session to discuss the candidates before returning to open session for a final vote. 

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, registered voters in Wilson Creek and not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. 

While the town has not established additional qualifications beyond state requirements, the position carries significant responsibilities. 

“Here in Wilson Creek, the mayor serves in a role similar to that of a city manager,” Anderson said. “We don't have a city manager or anything, so the mayor really acts in that role.” 

The mayor oversees the town's day-to-day operations, works closely with staff and helps manage municipal services and public works functions. 

The person appointed by the council will serve until Nov. 23, 2027. The position will then appear on the 2027 primary and general election ballots. Candidates interested in running for the office must file with Grant County during filing week, May 3-7, 2027. 

The person elected in 2027 will serve the remainder of the unexpired term through Dec. 31, 2029, after which the office will return to its regular four-year election cycle. 

Looking ahead, Anderson said the next mayor will inherit several ongoing priorities, particularly related to infrastructure. 

“Streets and water are our two big priorities,” Anderson said. 

In addition to street maintenance, the mayor will work with the town's contracted water system manager to oversee operation and maintenance of Wilson Creek's water infrastructure. 

Residents interested in applying may submit letters of interest to Town Hall, mail them to the Town of Wilson Creek at P.O. Box 162, Wilson Creek, WA 98860, or email them to [email protected]. 

Applicants will be interviewed during a public council meeting scheduled for Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. The council could make an appointment following deliberations that evening. 

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