Donna Sue Holly was voted in as the new commissioner for the North Whidbey Park and Recreation District Thursday night.

The vote was held during a regularly scheduled board of commissioners meeting, with two of three candidates present.

The other candidate was Victoria Robinson, who was appointed to the position during the meeting at which commissioner Dave Walton resigned. It was later determined the board didn’t follow the proper legal process in making the appointment and it was later rescinded.

The candidates were briefly interviewed before the board voted.

Wendy Shingleton, appointed to fill former commissioner Kirk Huffer’s seat on the board, asked the candidates applied for the position.

“The pool isn’t quite meeting my needs,” Holly replied. “I don’t think it’s meeting some of the people’s needs … I have a lot of talent and energy and skill to bring to this position, and I think … I would be good for it.”

While in the Navy, Holly said she gained leadership experience and worked with budgets, facilities, maintenance and “building new buildings.”

Robinson cited her experience and history with the district and her background in accounting and auditing.

Commissioner Steve Hoffmire asked what each candidate could bring to help erase a negative image of the district some in the community might have.

Holly said that her lack of history with the district was an asset.

“I think I bring a fresh perspective and fresh energy,” Holly said. “I’m not burdened by the past. I don’t know any of you people.”

Robinson said that her relationship with the pool was vital, and, if appointed, she could draw back some people who left the pool.

Before the vote, Hoffmire said that he would abstain because of how the district mishandled Robinson’s appointment.

“We made a mistake, and we owned it,” Hoffmire said.

“But I believe the process is somewhat tainted.”

Hoffmire said a part of him wanted to let the 90-day deadline expire so the Island County commissioners would fill the position.

“I think some things were said that tend to make people believe the process is biased, and I am very concerned with that,” Hoffmire said. “And I’m very concerned with the image we have here. The way that we’ve done business has caused people to raise an eyebrow over these past couple of years.

“I want to be completely fair.”

Parks board members Sean Merrill and Shingleton voted to appoint Holly to the vacant seat. Chairman Allan McDougall affirmed the vote.

“It’s an honor,” Holly said. “I know there are issues. I read the paper. I’ve seen there are issues with the pool and there are going to be issues with the budget, and I think we need to do something.”

Holly said her goals as a commissioner include scheduling more lap time, something she takes advantage of as a swimmer when she can, and one day getting a bigger pool and making the pool self-funded.

“I just think we need to find a way to get it self-supporting,” Holly said.

“Fundraising, or I don’t know. I’m new to this. I’ve had a lot of questions building up in my head, so hopefully I’ll be able to answer those.”