Centralia Deputy Mayor Cameron McGee was honored by his fellow city councilors during his final Centralia City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, as he officially resigned from the position on Wednesday, Sept. 11.
While still residing in Centralia, McGee moved out of the district he was representing — District 1 — and subsequently had to resign. During Tuesday’s meeting, Centralia Mayor Kelly Smith Johnston thanked McGee for his years of service on the council, which began in 2018 after he was elected in 2017.
McGee served on the city’s finance committee, helped approve comprehensive plan updates, a housing assessment and an action plan and, most recently, the parks plan update.
“Those plans guide our planning for 10-plus years into the future,” Smith Johnston said. “The work he has done there will continue to guide us as we carry on without you.”
She added he also served on the city’s housing committee and was instrumental in developing the new Hub City Greenways project.
“Our journey started in 1997. We’ve gone from the classroom to the council chambers,” said Councilor Mark Westley, who is also a former Centralia School District teacher. “... He was a good student, don't get me wrong. But to watch your growth and the commitment you have to our city, the ways you just selflessly give, when I came on three or four years ago and you guided and mentored me, it’s been a gift and a blessing to be a part of all that you are. Thank you.”
Councilors Max Vogt, Sarah Althauser and Chris Brewer all also thanked McGee for his work and recalled their time working with him both on the council and prior to that time.
McGee struggled to hold back tears while he thanked them for their kind words.
“As usual, I will be brief. But I would just like to say what an honor and privilege it has been to serve up here and to serve our citizens,” McGee said. “... You’ve all been tremendous partners up here and fantastic leaders. I’d also like to thank the city staff. You guys were patient with me with all my questions and were happy to dive into all the things I asked you to find for me and the information I needed. You’ve been a tremendous support throughout all of it. And I’d like to thank our citizens for their support and holding me accountable.”
He added he still plans on being heavily engaged with local nonprofits and events.
The Centralia City Council will begin the process of selecting a new District 1 representative and will keep the community informed of the process.
Following former Councilor Leah Daarud’s resignation in April 2023, the council opened up an application period for interested residents within Daarud’s district.
Once the application period ended, the Centralia City Council held an open public meeting — as required by state law — to conduct candidate interviews, make nominations and ultimately vote to select the new councilor.
