A 12-year veteran of the Hoquiam City Council is returning to fill the Ward 1 seat vacated by Dave Wilson.

John Pellegrini served three consecutive terms in Ward 1 through the end of 2017. He’s been a resident of the ward for 43 years.

Before the council approved Pellegrini, the three candidates were given a few minutes to speak at Monday’s council meeting.

“It’s not about politics, it’s about community service,” Pellegrini told the council. “I always viewed my position previously as giving back to the community and making good decisions for all the citizens of Hoquiam, asking pertinent questions so I truly understand the issues at hand and keep in mind the demographics of Hoquiam.”

Pellegrini said it’s important to consider the large number of retired people who live in the city, existing on fixed incomes, and when considering things like utility rate changes and other expenses that “we don’t want to be in a position where we chase people out of town because our services get so expensive.”

He said he intended to continue to look forward and not be short-sighted. “Again, listening to the residents of the city, being open and available” to questions and concerns raised by the city’s residents.

Another candidate, Darrel Cramer, told the council he would have to withdraw his application after hearing about the Aberdeen School District’s plans for fall reopening. Cramer and his wife, Julie, adopted and are raising two of their grandchildren.

“I can’t dedicate the time for this position knowing I have to get the granddaughters up for half a day, then get another one for a half a day, then homeschooling for another couple hours a day, so it’s not going to work for me.”

The final candidate to speak was David Day, a home health nurse with no previous political experience aside from his recent involvement with the Grays Harbor County Republican Party.

“In this particularly, I think, pivotal point in history I think it’s important to … not buckle under pressure, and consider the real community problems with a clear head, and I feel like I’m ready to do that,” Day told the council.

Ward 1 Councilman Paul McMillan pitched for Pellegrini, his old ward-mate, before the vote.

“I think we have two good candidates, but Mr. Pellegrini was my partner for 12 years on the council and he did a wonderful job,” said McMillan. “He’s very bright, he thinks outside the box,” and is schooled in the city’s water, sewer and stormwater system and insightful on environmental concerns.

The roll call vote ended 6-3 in favor of Pellegrini, who will be sworn in remotely and start his term at the July 27 meeting.