UPDATE: The Tumwater City Council has officially proclaimed January 19 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, marking the first meeting of the year under newly elected Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff. The meeting, held on January 6, 2026, drew a packed crowd in City Hall, eager to witness this momentous occasion.
Mayor Dahlhoff, who triumphed over candidate Lance Brender in the November 2025 election, was sworn into office along with fellow councilors Eileen Swarthout, Peter Agabi, and newcomer Meghan Sullivan. Washington Supreme Court Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud officiated the oath ceremony, emphasizing the significance of this fresh leadership.
In a heartfelt moment following the swearing-in, the council invited Dr. Thelma Jackson and Reverend David Reaves from New Life Baptist Church to honor Dr. King. Each councilor read parts of the proclamation, culminating in Dahlhoff’s powerful statement: “We all urge people to join us to reflect on Dr. King’s vision and rededicate ourselves to advancing justice and equality for all.”
Dr. Jackson passionately reminded attendees, “Dr. King was much more than a dreamer — he was a doer,” highlighting the challenges he faced and the enduring relevance of his message. Reverend Reaves echoed this sentiment, inviting the community to a celebratory event on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the New Life Baptist Church, located at 7838 Pacific Ave. SE in Lacey, from 1 to 3 p.m. on January 19.
Following the proclamation, the council moved into regular business, including the selection of a new mayor pro tem. Councilor Kelly Von Holtz was elected after a close vote against Eileen Swarthout, signaling a shift in leadership dynamics.
In a critical development, the council unanimously appointed Paul Simmons as the new city administrator, replacing Lisa Parks. This decision follows the recent firings of Parks and former Police Chief Jay Mason by Mayor Dahlhoff, a move that sparked heated discussions among council members. Councilor Agabi expressed concerns over the severance payments owed to both former employees, leading to a brief recess after a tense exchange with the mayor.
Community members voiced their opposition to Mason’s dismissal during public comments, with Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders thanking Mason for his years of service and expressing eagerness to collaborate with Dahlhoff and the new police chief.
As part of the ongoing council agenda, a special meeting is scheduled for January 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. to fill the council vacancy in position 1, with seven residents vying for the role. This meeting will be open to the public at Tumwater City Hall, 555 Israel Road, a critical opportunity for community engagement in local governance.
Stay tuned for further updates on the city administrator and police chief appointments, as Tumwater navigates a pivotal moment in its leadership and community initiatives. This is a developing story, and we will provide more details as they emerge.
