Alaska-native Ryan Gaard has called Cheney home since 1998, and is now the newest member of its City Council.
In a unanimous 6-0 vote, the Cheney City Council selected Eastern Washington University senior graphic designer Ryan Gaard to fill the council seat left vacant by the resignation of Councilman Bob Stockton in August. The council made its decision at a Sept. 30 special meeting where they interviewed four other applicants for the position besides Gaard.
A native of Anchorage, Alaska, Gaard has lived in Cheney since enrolling as a student at EWU in 1998. He has worked with the university's Marketing and Communication Department since graduating in 2002. Gaard's wife of 13 years, also an Alaska native and EWU graduate, works at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge and the couple have two daughters, one enrolled at Betz Elementary School and the other a 4-year-old.
As homeowners with children enrolled in the school district, Gaard said he and his wife are passionate about contributing to making the community a good place to live. Gaard also told the council his position at Eastern's Marketing and Communication Department could help strengthen ties between the city and the university, although Councilman Graeme Webster questioned him on whether, if selected, he could balance loyalty between the university and the city.
"That question has come up in advancement meetings," Gaard said, adding management at EWU has encouraged staff members to seek positions on local councils and board in order to help with relationships.
On his council candidate questionnaire, Gaard said his three top priorities, should he be selected would be establishing a better connection with EWU, helping with issues concerning Cheney schools and creating better exposure for the Cheney Merchants Association. He also told the council he would eagerly seek re-election for the position when it opens for candidates in 2015.
"I'm flexible, quick to pick up new skills and eager to learn from others," Gaard wrote in his application cover letter. "I also have lots of ideas and enthusiasm. I'm keen to work for a city with a great reputation and great group of people."
Also applying for the position were EWU College of Business lecturer Debra Morgan, former Cheney Police Officer Jim Wallingford, local entrepreneur/volunteer Gail Gueths-Pollard and medical billing advocate with Cardon Outreach, Tom Neubauer.
John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.
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