Correction: The article originally said five, instead of four council members would be up for election in 2025.

Deer Park’s city council has expanded from five to seven members in response to the city’s population growth, reaching 5,000 residents. Ross Hall, a former teacher and coach, and Chase Vining, a local business owner, were appointed to serve through 2025. 

The Deer Park City Council has expanded from five to seven members to accommodate the growing population. This change, mandated by Washington state law when a city’s population reaches 5,000, marks a significant moment in Deer Park’s civic development. The expansion has brought two new faces to the council: Ross Hall and Chase Vining, both selected after a competitive interview process during a couple of recent council meetings.

Ross Hall has served as a teacher and football coach. Hall, a cancer survivor, has demonstrated resilience and leadership in multiple aspects of his life. His history of working with youth made him a standout candidate for the council. 

Chase Vining, owner of Vine Wine on Main Street, brings entrepreneurial experience and a fresh perspective to local governance. Vining has been an active member of the business community, and his appointment reflects the growing importance of local businesses in shaping the future of Deer Park.

The selection process was highly competitive, with all applicants showing a strong desire to serve. Hall and Vining will serve until the end of 2025. If they choose to continue, they must file as candidates for the 2025 election, during which four of the council’s seven positions will be up for vote. One of the new positions, Position 6, will serve a short two-year term, while Position 7 will be for a full four-year term. Hall was appointed to Position 6; however, he could select a different position if he decides to run for reelection. 

Deer Park’s city council has played an increasingly significant role in the community as the town grows, taking on issues like infrastructure development, local business support, and community services. Although the council could have expanded sooner, members opted to wait until the city reached the legal threshold of 5,000 residents before adding the two new positions. Deer Park City Council now consists of: Ross Hall, Chase Vining, Ellen Standen, Billy Costello, Diane Pfaeffle, Fred Senn, Jason Upchurch, and Tim Verzal, who is mayor.

Throughout the appointment process, council members expressed that anyone interested in serving on the council in the future is encouraged to attend meetings regularly and engage with the local governance process. Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 7pm at City Hall, located at 316 East Crawford. The council emphasized that prior participation in meetings is an important factor when considering future candidates. Legal requirements to serve on the council include being a registered voter and a resident of Deer Park for at least one year.

The expansion is a vital step for Deer Park, which has seen steady growth in recent years. In addition to adding council members, the city has invested in upgrading the council chambers to accommodate the new members. The upgrades, slated for completion in November, will ensure that the expanded council can operate some elbow room during meetings and continue serving the community effectively.

Deer Park residents can stay engaged by watching videos of past meetings on the Deer Park Gazette YouTube channel at DPGazette.com/youtube.

Sources:

• Eligibility to hold elective office. DPGazette.com/s15in Accessed September 9th 2024