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- Brett Clawson was appointed to the Vineyard City Council, filling Amber Rasmussen's vacancy.
- Clawson, a resident since 2018, aims to address transportation, community programs and economic growth.
VINEYARD — The Vineyard City Council voted to fill a council seat Wednesday evening after a councilwoman announced her resignation earlier this month.
Brett Clawson is the newest member of the Vineyard City Council after he was appointed during Wednesday's council meeting.
Councilwoman Amber Rasmussen announced on Nov. 6 she was stepping down due to personal family changes.
"Serving on the City Council has been an incredible honor, and I am profoundly thankful for the trust the community has placed in me. My recent family circumstances have required me to prioritize my children and their well-being," Rasmussen said.
All applicants responded to interview questions that were shared with the current council on Monday for review. During Wednesday's meeting, each candidate had three minutes to make their case to the council about why they should fill the vacancy.
The nearly 20 applicants varied in backgrounds, from accounting to sports to environmental groups. Candidates included prior city planning commission members, the city administrator and longtime residents who have been attending City Council meetings for years.
The five City Council members then voted on who they wished to serve the rest of Rasmussen's term, which ends in December 2025. Clawson received three votes and was sworn in shortly after.
"I'm committed to dedicating the time to ensure that I fulfill the council's responsibilities but also proactively bring forward solutions that address the needs of our evolving community," Clawson said.
A Vineyard resident since 2018, Clawson previously served on an HOA board where he reviewed budgets and resident impact. He said he intends to honor Rasmussen's priorities on the council.
"I believe that my experience prepares me specifically to address today's challenges while preparing for tomorrow's needs," he said.
Clawson's priorities include advancing transportation improvements, supporting community programs, fostering economic development to improve the tax base and balancing economic growth with fiscal responsibility, he said.
Resident Kimberly Olsen came in second place, receiving two votes. She said it was "really great news" and "bad news" for the council that there were so many great applicants to choose from.
City recorder Pamela Spencer reminded meeting attendees there will be three open seats in next year's election. She encouraged the people who applied for the vacancy to consider running for a seat next year.
