Ernie Suggs is the newest Washougal city councilor.
Suggs was appointed to the seat at Monday’s meeting, where councilors interviewed 10 applicants for a position that opened up when Dan Coursey resigned effective March 31.
After the initial interviews, Suggs and Janice Ferguson were the two finalists. Suggs was appointed with a 4-2 vote by the council.
“My biggest asset is I can put people together,” said Suggs, 70. “Interagency cooperation has always been in the forefront of my career, and what I’ve been able to do in the community.”
Suggs is retired after spending 35 years working as the director of Camas Community Education. He was also a co-founder of the Washougal Schools Foundation.
In his application, Suggs wrote that his work in Camas and Washougal helped him form relationships with community members and local businesses. He said that he was encouraged to apply for the open seat by councilors in Washougal and Camas.
One of the biggest issues Suggs wants to focus on is growth in Washougal. He said it’s important for the council to ensure the city has the infrastructure in place to handle the growing population so Washougal doesn’t end up with “30 cars backed up to a four-way stop.”
“Growth is here,” he said. “If the city does not manage the growth, the developers will. We have to find a happy medium to accommodate that, and bring in the small businesses we need to help our town function.”
