Kennewick chooses new council member after mayor resigned. He’s a KID leader
The Kennewick City Council has made a decision on who will take former Mayor Bill McKay’s council seat.
During a special meeting on Friday the six council members interviewed 17 candidates for a shot at the position.
In a 4-2 vote, Jason McShane was named the next District 4, at-large city council member. He will be sworn in at the next regular council meeting.
Voting for McShane council members Loren Anderson, Brad Beauchamp, Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Torelli and Mayor Gretl Crawford.
Council member Jim Millbauer cast his vote for Uby Creek and councilman John Trumbo voted for Ted Owens.
Torelli and Crawford will serve in the leadership roles until early January when the council votes on the next 2-year terms for mayor and mayor pro tem.
“I don’t think that I can actually put into words the robust conversation about people applying, I think its amazing how many people want to be a part of, and want to be a public servant, in the city of Kennewick ... ,” Crawford said. “We appreciate it.”
McKay’s sudden resignation came hours before the Nov. 7 council meeting. The next day public records were released to the Herald showing he had admitted to paying for sexual services at a massage parlor while claiming to be conducting his own investigation of the businesses.
About Jason McShane
McShane, 41, works for the Kennewick Irrigation District as the engineering and operations manager. He has been with KID since 2005 and in his current position since 2012, according to his profile on the district’s website.
He has a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from Brigham Young University and is an ex-officio member of the Kennewick Irrigation District board, according to information submitted with his application.
He volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America, ARC of Tri-Cities and Special Olympics. He is also involved with his church and the Union West Home Owners Association.
McShane said he brings skills related to long-term planning, financial and strategic leadership and local government governance.
