Union treasurer Burgess appointed to fill vacancy on Lynnwood PFD board

In their last meeting before the summer recess, the Lynnwood City Council interviewed two candidates for Position No. 2 of the city’s Public Facilities District Board of Directors. The business manager/secretary treasurer for Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 292 Charles (Chip) Burgess was unanimously appointed to position No. 2.

Burgess was one of two candidates presented to the council after a public recruitment period from June 24th to July 24th, the other candidate was Jacqueline Manlastas, and advanced to the appointment vote after the council voted 4-2 (council member Isabel Mata was absent for the meeting) on paper ballots to move him forward to the appointment vote. Council member David Parshall nominated the union leader to the board before the vote was passed 6-0.

These two candidates were brought forward after a public recruitment process that took place from June 24th to July 24th by the board of directors. Manlastas and Burgess were the two candidates that were nominated to the city council for interviews and appointment.

Burgess has occupied various leadership positions with the LiUNA Local 292 since 2015 according to his resume. He’s been a member of the union since he started his apprentice ship back in 2005.

During the interview process, both candidates were asked the same seven questions – one for each council member. Burgess heavily highlighted his experience as a union member and leadership experience throughout the interview. He heavily highlighted his union tenure when council president Nick Coelho asked about how he would be able to enhance the diverse voices within the city while advancing the PFD’s mission and goals. He stated that Local 292 has the highest number of women and minorities in the state.

Meanwhile, Manlastas response to the same question emphasized her work with former Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell in discussing public safety and how the city’s committees and boards are the voice of the constituents.

Manlastas was at her strongest when she emphasized her work as a property manager and how it helped her develop strong communication and marketing skills. When council member Robert Leutwyler asked about leadership skills that the candidate could bring to the board, Manlastas discussed how her property manager job led to her consistently meeting with business, residents, vendors, and cities. She also discussed how she’s worked to find ways to get people who aren’t chronically online, or online at all, involved. Which is important as the PFD board works to redevelop its 13 acre property.

This is not the only vacancy on the PFD board that the council will need to fill this year. The board received a resignation letter from position No. 5 member Wally Webster that will be effective on October 1st. Unlike the position that was filled on Monday, the nomination for position No. 5 is entirely handled by the council and the appointment process can take place prior to Webster’s resignation taking effect.