Second Post Falls council seat becomes vacant

POST FALLS — A second Post Falls City Council member within three weeks has submitted their resignation.

City Councilor Josh Walker submitted his resignation, effective Nov. 30, according to a Wednesday press release from the city.

City Councilor Kenny Shove earlier announced his resignation that took effect Nov. 1. because he moved beyond city limits.

Walker said because of a major career change, his new job won’t allow him enough time to serve on the council. 

“It has been an absolute privilege and honor to serve the citizens of our great city and community for the last three years. I will forever cherish the experience, and the friendships made along the way,” Walker said in the release.  

Walker served as city councilor for seat two since January 2022.

Mayor Ron Jacobson said Tuesday he was concerned about the experience on the City Council. He said he was sad to lose Walker, "especially on the heels of Councilor Shove moving out of the city.”

"We have a fairly new council," he said.

Nathan Ziegler is finishing his third year on the council. Randy Westlund and Samantha Steigleder won seats in November 2023 and their terms run from 2024 through 2027.

Nathan Ziegler was added to the council in 2022, serving through 2025.

City Council President Joe Malloy, who has been on the council 13 years, was also reelected in November 2023.

The City Council will hold a special meeting Nov. 26 to select Shove's replacement.

Malloy said learning the complex regulations limiting City Council is a long process and that less experienced councilors can take more time asking clarifying questions from city employees.

For a council that has one or two inexperienced members, the risk of the council taking any illegal or inappropriate action is minimal since the majority carries the decision-making, he said.

“That risk increases if half or a majority of the council is inexperienced, and it puts a lot more pressure on city staff to keep us on the straight and narrow path,” Malloy said. 

Malloy also acknowledged there are benefits to new members.

“Without new perspectives, an organization can't learn and evolve. Some of the best ideas have come from new councilors, but there are also some risks,” Malloy noted. 

Applications are being accepted to fill council seat two and must be received by noon Nov. 27.  

Anyone who has applied for Shove's seat does not need to reapply to have their application be considered for both seats. 

Jacobson said city officials have received several applications and have narrowed it down to three candidates. Interviews for seat six will be conducted Tuesday.

“I am hoping that we will be able to select an applicant who has some experience and can ‘hit the road running,’” Jacobson said.