Yaeger to lead Ritzville

RITZVILLE – City Councilman will officially become mayor-elect Nov. 28 after Adams County certifies the results of the general election.

According to the Adams County Auditor's Office, out of 594 total mayoral votes cast, 375 (63.1%) ballots were for Yaeger.

Cory Bartlett, owner of the local Gigamedics computer shop, finished second with 218 (36.7%).

After election certification, Yaeger will start his term the new mayor in January; he replaces long-time Mayor Linda Kadlec.

Mayor-elect Yaeger is no stranger to Ritzville and Adams County.

At the candidate forum last July, Yaeger said he's lived in Ritzville since 1978, worked for Adams County since 1992, and served on the city council for past 17 years.

He currently serves as councilman for Ward 3, and supervises the Adams County engineering division that manages 1,775 miles of county roads and 121 county bridges.

"It's been a struggle to find someone in the community who has experience with government and who will step up after a mayor leaves," Yaeger said. In the last two mayoral races, he considered himself more effective as a councilman.

"This time around, I decided I could offer consistent leadership in the mayor role," he said. "Because I've been involved in city government for many years, I can hit the ground running."

Although Yaeger has served on the City Council, he wants to get a better understanding of the internal workings of city departments. He said he'll try to determine whether changes are needed.

"Right now, residents are picking up the cost of various high value infrastructure improvements - new wells and sewer line replacements, for example," he said. "We may find better ways to maintain our infrastructure without raising rates."

He recognizes the need for growth and considers more affordable housing a way to achieve that goal.

Yaeger said it may be time to revisit city codes, as well.

He mentioned two goals:

1. Streamlining codes to encourage growth

2. Enforcing existing codes to keep the community presentable.

"I don't like having rules and codes that are not being enforced or are unenforceable," he said.

When he commences mayoral duties next year, he said his priorities will include looking at committee assignments and getting to know new council members.

"I want to find out about their interests, backgrounds, and goals," he said.

This was Bartlett's first run for elective office.

Over the years, he's held leadership positions with other organizations and clubs, including service as president of the Lions Club and Washington State Business Education Association.

Bartlett said he ran for mayor because he wanted to make a difference.

"I've been involved with various community organizations, and a few people thought I'd be good in the role of mayor," he said. "So, they asked me to run."

He said he enjoyed the campaign and urged residents to get involved with local groups. He added that people need to step up, pay attention when City Council positions become available and run for those offices.

Bartlett was disappointed over the lack of voter involvement in this election cycle.

"Only 30% of the town's registered voters cast ballots," he said. "That means 70% - the majority of Ritzville's citizens - didn't vote."

He applauded Yaeger and others who will assume leadership roles.

"I congratulated Scott and his wife on Tuesday evening when I saw the election results. He will make a great mayor," Bartlett said. "I urge the community to rally behind him, and let him know what changes they want to see.

"We also have a couple of new City Council members who will be outstanding."

In the days ahead, Bartlett plans to stay involved in various organizations including the Ritzville Festivals Association, Lions Club and Ritzville Museums Board.

"I'm not going anywhere. All those pieces help our community grow, stay strong, and preserve history," he said.