Walla Walla City Council enters final stages of search to fill vacant seat

By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla City Council is expected to move forward Wednesday night with the process of filling its vacant Position 6 seat, potentially naming a successor to former Councilmember Tom Scribner.

The regular meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. this evening (Wednesday) at city hall, follows an intensive Monday work session where council members interviewed a pool of 12 applicants. The candidates – seven men and five women – are vying to serve the remainder of the term following Scribner’s resignation on Dec. 31, 2025.

The council is operating under a 90-day statutory window to appoint a replacement.

The finalists interviewed by the council include Jim Wilson, Mical Meldahl, Jeff Strickler, Traci Hickman, Dominick Elia, Michael Beatty, Emily Brown, Francis Chvatal, Roger Esparza, Liz Jesse, Paul Vandervort, and Carolyn Knowles.

To watch the city council interview the 12 candidates, visit: https://vimeo.com/1159757555?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

During tonight’s session, the council will continue discussions regarding the selection process. While an appointment is not guaranteed, the council has the authority to name a candidate during the meeting.

Residents can attend the meeting in person at Walla Walla City Hall or participate remotely via Zoom. Access links are available on the city’s official website.