Steven Puvogel was sworn in Tuesday to fill the Hoquiam City Council Ward 2 seat vacated by Logan Livingston.

“I believe I can bring the council a unique combination of experience, passion and temperament that will serve the city quite well,” he wrote in his letter of interest.

Puvogel is a budget assistant to the governor at the State Office of Financial Management.

His chairman of the Grays Harbor Democratic Party and is an active volunteer with the Driftwood Players, directing their next play, “Looking at Christmas.” He’s also involved with the Out and Proud Grays Harbor Coalition and Harbor Humanists, a group that held a free science camp over spring break. He and his wife, Emily, own Events on Emerson, a business that hosts weddings, reunions, banquets and other events.

“My goals for the city focus on quality of life, business climate, and sound decision making,” wrote Puvogel. “Hoquiam was recently cited as the most affordable community to live in, in Western Washington. While that puts the city in a good position, it indicates that the city must work even harder. There will be tough decisions to be made. I am ready to step up and work hard for the Friendliest City.”

Puvogel’s letter of interest was the only one received for the Ward 2 vacancy, said Mayor Jasmine Dickhoff. He was unanimously approved by the council. Livingston vacated the seat when she moved out of the area in September.