4 file to run for open council spot

MOSES LAKE — The special 3-day filing period for Position No. 4 on the Moses Lake City Council closed on Thursday with four people filing to run for the position.

Residents Dana Borschowa, Peter Steffens, Barry Lawson and Daryl Jackson filed to run for the position before the 5 p.m. deadline. Their names will appear on the November general election ballot. Grant County Auditor Michele Jaderlund previously announced the special 3-day filing period would be held from Tuesday through yesterday.

Jaderlund’s announcement stems from a judge approving a petition to disqualify former Moses Lake city council member Bill Ecret’s name from appearing on the November general election ballot. Ecret was running unopposed for Position No. 4, which is a seat that is currently held by Mayor Todd Voth, despite occupying Position No. 1 when he filed to run. Voth initially filed to run for Position No. 4, but ultimately withdrew before the deadline and filed to run for Position No. 1.

Ecret resigned from the council in early July, following a move outside of city limits, which disqualified him from being on the council. Councilmembers previously voted to solicit resumes and letters of interest from city residents who wanted to fill Position No. 1 through Dec. 31, the end of Ecret’s term.

The council ultimately decided to reverse its decision during a later council meeting and voted to keep the seat vacant, despite some residents submitting resumes and letters of interest.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.