City Council member Tad Stillwell leaves at end of month

Yelm city council member Tad Stillwell announced he and his wife are moving into a home just outside the Yelm city limits, so announced his retirement effective at the end of this month, as required by the Yelm Municipal Code (YMC). Click here, start at 42:55.

Ed. note: I have supported councilor Stillwell since he first applied for an open position to the council through to being elected, and until today. I told Tad he would always have my support as long as he followed his platform when he ran for election: “Public safety, and ensuring our tax rates are reasonable will be my primary focus.” He kept his word!

Congratulations to Tad, his wife and family. I thank him for his 6 years of public service to our town! He served Yelm with distinction.

Yelm city government to undergo drastic changes in 2021

With Tad Stilwell’s departure at the end of this month, the council will accept and consider applicants for his replacement during Q2.

Community Development and Economic Development Director Grant Beck previously announced his retirement effective in August.

Yelm’s Finance Director is still an unfilled position, and the month-long vacancy has yet to be publicly posted as available.

Mayor Foster has twice publicly has not committed he will run again for mayor: at February’s State of the City address and last week in the Nisqaully Valley News. With him winning by a mere 14 votes over councilor Joe DePinto 4 years ago, Foster’s lack of a commitment is indicative he will not run again. If Foster does run, he has lost precious momentum and time to mount an effective campaign to beat DePinto this time, should he also run again.

Three other city council members are also up for election in 2021.

UPDATE March 11, 2021 – NVN: Yelm City Council Member Tad Stillwell to Resign March 31