Pasco’s first council elected in 1891. 126 years later, city making history again

The new Pasco City Council will be sworn in Monday night in an event that city officials are calling “pretty historic.”

All seven seats were up for grabs this year following a federal judge’s decision in an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit that changed the city’s election process to a more district-based system.

The last time that happened was in Pasco’s first council election — 1891, said City Manager Dave Zabell.

Typically, the council seats are staggered, with four on the ballot one year and the other three up for election two years later.

Five new members were elected to join incumbents Mayor Matt Watkins and Councilman Saul Martinez.

The newcomers are Blanche Barajas, Ruben Alvarado, Pete Serrano, David Milne and Craig Maloney.

They will take the oath of office at 7 p.m. in council chambers, 525 N. Third Ave.

The city also will recognize outgoing members Bob Hoffmann, Rebecca Francik, Tom Larsen, Al Yenney and Chi Flores. Larsen is retiring, while the other four failed to retain their seats.

The current council will serve through the end of the year, with the new members not assuming their official duties until 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1. The council will elect a mayor on Jan. 8.

“This year’s historic election affirmed Pasco’s commitment to a more representative government that serves all of Pasco,” Watkins said in a city news release. “I look forward to working with the new members of the council on emerging issues facing our community. I also want to give a special thank to the outgoing council members for their years of dedicated service to Pasco.”

A special meeting is planned 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 16 at City Hall for a newly elected council member orientation.

This story was originally published December 9, 2017 at 5:37 PM with the headline "Pasco’s first council elected in 1891. 126 years later, city making history again."