After two weeks of learning that she would be selected to fill the council position vacancy, Councilwoman Dawn Thomas was sworn in on Aug. 9 at the Montesano City Council meeting.

Thomas, who now occupies the seat originally elected to Dan Wood before his resignation, will fulfill the remaining duration of the term set to expire in 2023. She will serve in Position 7.

With the vacancy filled, the Montesano City Council is now at full capacity of seven council members for the first time since May 30. Council members Clint Bryson (Position 1), Rollin Caryl (Position 2), and Dave Skaramuca (Position 4) were not present for the meeting.

Following her oath, presented by Montesano Mayor Vini Samuel, Thomas received a long round of applause from the audience in the room and her fellow council members. Thomas expressed her gratitude to the council and the audience during council comments.

“Thank you to everyone who came today. This is a special day for me, so I appreciate everyone who came. Thank you,” said Thomas humbly.

Thomas currently works as an Executive Legislative Assistant to the House Committee Capital Budget Chair and has a history in governmental affairs. Before being sworn in, she expressed her desire to be on the council for the long term given that her seat expires next year.

“I want the council and the community of Montesano to know that I’m not just interested in the short term, but the long-term future of our historic city,” Thomas said. “Once my term expires, I hope I will have built enough trust and progress with the people to earn their vote for another term.”