New Washington city council member swears in

WASHINGTON — Patrick Morgan has taken his seat on the Washington City Council, after previous First Ward Council Member Bethany Glinsmann moved to adjourn her last meeting on the municipal body last week.

Mayor Pro Tem Millie Youngquist thanked Glinsmann for her service at a meeting on Dec. 19.

“I appreciate your great contributions to the city,” she said. “I hope that is ongoing and will continue.”

Glinsmann said she was grateful for her time on the council, adding that she was impressed by the inner workings of the city during her term.

“I just want to say thank you to Deanna (McCusker, the city administrator,) and all the department heads and city staff for everything you’ve taught me the last couple of years,” Glinsmann said. “Running a city takes a lot of knowledge and dedication, I think you all do really great work.”

  Buy Photo

The outgoing council member entered office after a narrow win at the ballot box in April of 2022, filling in on the heels of former Council Member Danielle Pettit-Majewski’s departure. Glinsmann jumped immediately into the fray as city officials debated parking ordinances, stimulus checks for workers excluded from federal pandemic relief, and railroad crossing closures, but announced in August that she wouldn’t seek re-election, planning instead to travel far out of town for some time during the next term.

Morgan, for his part said he was excited to take the reins.

“I’m ready to go,” he said. “Obviously there’s a big learning curve ahead of me and a lot of things to listen to and understand and grow, but I’m excited about the opportunity, excited to support the city of Washington.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com