Washington Council prepares for big changes

Washington’s Tuesday night City Council meeting showed big shifts in city leadership coming soon.

In one motion, council members unanimously voted to approve a contract with soon-to-be City Administrator Deanna McCusker, after news of her appointment went public late last week.

“It was difficult and there were several good candidates,” said Council Member Illa Earnest, who made the motion for McCusker’s approval. “I didn’t realize how hard it was going to be, but she rose to the top and we all, I think, reached consensus with good discussions about what we were looking for.”

McCusker is set to start work with the city Jan. 17.

At the same time the city welcomed its new municipal official, it bid farewell to another: Council Member Danielle Pettit-Majewski, who announced her plan to resign from the position. Pettit-Majewski is required to live in neighboring Johnson County per her contract as its new public health director, a position she began in August.

“I knew when I took my job that that might be something that I would need to do,” she said. “I wanted very much to ensure that we have a strong candidate come in as administrator … I will be done at the end of January, I think that the residents of Ward 1 deserve representation during the budget process.”

Pettit-Majewski did add a serious note to her parting remarks.

“I have one regret, and that is that I’m leaving this council knowing how much disrespect one of my fellow council members has for me,” she said. “Councilman Stigers, your interference in my professional work was completely uncalled for. You calling the Johnson County Attorney and Johnson County Board of Supervisors insinuating a lack of integrity, I have never been so insulted.”

Council Member Fran Stigers declined to respond to Pettit-Majewski’s remarks, saying he didn’t want to “throw fuel on the fire.”

The city has some experience replacing council members midterm, but Mayor Jaron Rosien said a special election to fill the seat was a likely option.

“The process is that council can choose to appoint a replacement or hold a special election,” Mayor Jaron Rosien said. “I can’t speak for what council will do, but I can share that in the past, council has chosen to exercise the democratic process and do a special election.”

As she prepares to leave the municipal body, Pettit-Majewski said she cherished her time in the group.

“It has been such a pleasure to represent the residents of Ward 1,” she said. “I’m still proud of all of the work that we have done. I am so impressed with the staff of this city and everything that they have done, and I’m excited for all of the progress that is coming forward.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com