One month after former mayor Joe Warren resigned, the town of Yacolt has a new leader.
The town’s council appointed one of its own, James Weldon, during its April 4 meeting to serve the remainder of Warren’s term. The mayor’s term will end in December.
Weldon, 81, previously served as Yacolt mayor for most of 2005 and has sat on the council for 10 years, town officials said.
“We’ve been fraught with a lot of difficulties,” Weldon said. “I’m trying to get the council back on an even keel.”
Warren stepped down March 7 due to “personal reasons beyond my control.” His decision, he explained, was brought about by health problems. He would not say what his health problems were.
Warren’s resignation came one week after a state audit revealed his office had violated state laws by purchasing materials from a town employee without going through a competitive bidding process.
Warren, who had served since 2005, denied that the audit factored into his decision.
One of Weldon’s chief goals is to work with the council to fulfill the audit’s recommendations. With the council’s help, Weldon also plans to oversee the town’s budget and finances, keep tabs of purchases and hold staff meetings once per week.
“We want Yacolt to succeed and be a bright example” for other towns, he said.
Unlike in larger communities with city managers, Yacolt’s mayor is responsible for overseeing town operations.
Weldon spent 25 years as an auxiliary Air Force chaplain and has more than 50 years in the ministry. He is the associate minister at Church of Christ in Yacolt. He has been married for 60 years and has two adult children.
Weldon’s appointment passed 3-1, with council member Dave Hancock voting in opposition. Hancock said he supported another candidate but would have no problems working with Weldon.
“We get along well,” Hancock said. “He was comfortable to work with and talk with.”
Council member Jimmy Robertson said Weldon’s experience made him the right choice.
“In this time of flux before the November election, we wanted someone who had a general idea and knowledge to do the job,” Robertson said. Weldon’s appointment gives the town’s government a sense of stability, Robertson noted.
Weldon said he has not made a decision whether to run for mayor in November.
Ray Legendre: 360-735-4517, or ray.legendre @col_smallcities
