The recent resignation of Victoria Laise Jonas from Position 6 on the Maple Valley City Council creates a vacancy on the seven-person Council. To fill the vacancy, the City Council is soliciting applications from individuals who would be interested in being appointed to fill the vacant seat.

When a vacancy occurs on a City Council, state law provides that it can be filled by appointment of the Council. The chosen appointee then serves until the next general election. In this case, the term of the vacant seat lasts until November 24, 2015. The chosen appointee would be eligible to stand for election in November 2015.

The Maple Valley City Council is a non-partisan, part-time legislative body. Maple Valley incorporated in 1997 and is a council/manager form of government. Council meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, with some exceptions. There may be other meetings to attend during the week as well.

By state law, the chosen candidate must be a citizen of the United States, a registered Washington State voter, and have resided within the corporate limits of the city of Maple Valley for at least one year. The appointee also must be at least 18 years of age.

The appointed councilor would have the same level of duty and privilege as all other councilors.

Maple Valley City Councilors are compensated $550.00 per month during the length of their service.

To be considered, applicants are asked to submit an application and Declaration of Eligibility. A resume and a cover letter detailing the applicant’s previous and current involvement in the Maple Valley Community, naming three or four priorities you see for the community, and explaining your view of the role of a city councilor in this community are optional.

Application materials must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2014 to the City Clerk, City Hall, P.O. Box 320, Maple Valley, 98038. Applicant’s information will be forwarded to the King County Elections Department for verification of eligibility before an application will be forwarded to the City Council. The full council will interview each qualifying applicant in a public session. An appointment may be made shortly thereafter. The selected appointee would begin his/her term in mid-August 2014. For further information, please call City Clerk Shaunna Lee-Rice or Deputy City Clerk Jennifer Cusmir, 425-413-8800.