Mayor Pro Tem David Stuebe will fulfill the mayoral function until the Council appoints someone to fill the vacant Council Position 1 seat

Rochelle Ramos is resigning as Washougal mayor (City Council Position 1) effective at midnight on Sept. 17. Ramos is pursuing a career growth opportunity in another state. Mayor Pro Tem David Stuebe will fulfill the mayoral function until the Council appoints someone to fill the vacant Council Position 1 seat.

“It has been an honor to serve as mayor,’’ Ramos said. “It was not my plan when I ran for office to only serve 10 months. I was also not actively seeking a new position. I was approached with an opportunity that is very positive for my family, and although it was a very difficult decision, I just couldn’t turn it down.”

In November of 2021, Mayor Ramos was elected to a four-year term to Council Position 1, which is designated as mayor, taking office on Nov. 23 of that year. Her election as mayor was the culmination of years of volunteerism, service and support in the Washougal community.

“We are grateful for Rochelle’s long history of service in our community. We as a city have been very fortunate to have had such a passionate and engaged community member who has done an outstanding job in all her roles, including her current position as mayor. She will be greatly missed,” said Mayor Pro Tem Stuebe.

The Council will be discussing the vacancy and appointment process during its Sept. 12 worksession. The appointed individual will serve as mayor until late November 2023. Council Position 1 will then be on the ballot in November 2023, with the elected individual serving the remainder of the four-year term through the end of 2025. 

“I am excited for Washougal’s future. We are in the middle of updating our Strategic Plan, which will guide the community into the future, and there are several exciting projects in the works. I encourage Washougal citizens to get involved by volunteering to serve the community through the many opportunities available,” said Mayor Ramos. “It is with mixed emotions that I move into this next phase in life and I will miss Washougal.”

Information provided by city of Washougal.