Bellingham Picks Interim Mayor

The Bellingham City Council couldn't have made a better pick than Tim Douglas.

Council taps Douglas as interim mayor
Former mayor says he won't run for office next year

JON GAMBRELL
THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

Former Bellingham Mayor Tim Douglas will return to helm the city for the next year, a divided City Council decided Monday night, providing stability after the surprise resignation of Mayor Mark Asmundson.

Former Bellingham Mayor Tim Douglas will return to helm the city for the next year, a divided City Council decided Monday night, providing stability after the surprise resignation of Mayor Mark Asmundson.

The council's 4-3 vote ended sharp debate between individual council members, several of whom openly vied for the seat. It also gives voters a wide-open mayoral election next year, as Douglas has said he will not run for the position. ...

... "We know there is a lot in front of us," Douglas said. "I will do what I can to work very closely and cooperatively with the council."

Douglas, previously a city councilman, served as mayor from 1983 through 1995. His tenure as the city's top elected official saw the City Council allow the construction of Bellis Fair mall, which Douglas opposed. When he stepped down in 1995, he pointed to remodeling of City Hall, the library, police and fire stations and adding new trails and parks as his major accomplishments.

After serving as mayor, Douglas worked as director of the state's Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. He resigned in 1999 and served as a Peace Corps director in Russia. ... (full article)