Ridgefield has its newest city councilor in a former planning commission member as Jennifer Lindsay was sworn into office Oct. 11.
Lindsay was officially selected by council a week before in an Oct. 4 special meeting. She is taking over for councilor John Main who resigned and plans on moving to Boise to be closer to family.
Lindsay said it was exciting to realize her goal of civil service, something that began with an appointment to the city’s planning commission two years ago. Following positive experiences from her stint on that commission, she decided to seek the open council seat once Main announced his decision.
Lindsay has been a stay-at-home mother to her two children which she said gave her the opportunity to pursue volunteer work in a number of avenues. She has been involved with the Ridgefield Lions Club and the city’s Fourth of July Committee among other things. Lindsay also noted involvement in schools due to her children.
Lindsay moved to Ridgefield nine years ago from the Puget Sound area. Councilors selected Lindsay following a rigorous process that required interested candidates to complete an application packet, respond to six written questions and interview with all six councilors in a public meeting.
“Lindsay’s experience on the Planning Commission, community involvement and exceptional energy made her an exceptional choice,” Ridgefield Mayor Don Stose said in a statement. “The Council is excited about what she will bring to Ridgefield.”
Lindsey’s time on the Planning Commission has given her an awareness of what the city is looking into.
“A lot of the things that go to the council comes through the planning commission first,” she said.
Lindsey was quick to mention establishing a dark fiber broadband internet network in Ridgefield — something requiring city action to make happen — when asked what her goals are.
“That is going to create some amazing opportunities for the city of Ridgefield,” Lindsay said, explaining that allowing the port to create the infrastructure for high-speed internet in the area can work as a catalyst to attracting business.
Lindsay also said managing the city’s growth in a way that balances its characteristics was an important task for council, which is tasked with leading forward one of the fastest-growing cities in the state.
“It’s that fine balance of having all these people wanting to come in, but you still want to maintain this rural feel of Ridgefield,” she said.
Lindsay said Ridgefield residents should not hesitate to talk to her about issues facing the city, referencing the collaboration needed between citizens and councilors to have the city grow right.
“I don’t call them complaints, I call them concerns,” Lindsay said. “If something is bothering you, it’s probably a concern for someone else, so it’s important that we address those things.”
Following her appointment, Lindsay will have to run in an election next year in order to retain her seat for a full four-year term.
