Coupeville Town Council has completed its search for a candidate to fill the seat vacated by Councilwoman Christine Crowell.

During the regular council meeting Tuesday, July 24, the council selected a familiar local face as their top pick from the three applicants.

Winning candidate Michael Moore has worked for two years on the Coupeville Planning Commission, a job which includes working on the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and making recommendations to the Town Council on zoning and land use regulations.

The other two applicants were Sally Garratt and Gary Piazzon.

DURING THE meeting, the council listened as each candidate presented prepared speeches and, afterwards, posed questions, allowing each a chance to respond.

Moore spoke about his professional background in municipal law. He was a city attorney in Idaho for over 40 years.

He also taught municipal law as a visiting lecturer at the University of Idaho College of Law. Part of his job involved doing training sessions for city council members, city clerks and finance officers. Moore has owned a house in Coupeville since 2009 and lived here since 2014.

He said his reason for wanting to serve on the council was that he would like to make a meaningful contribution to his community.

“And I don’t bring any personal or political agenda, but I am strongly committed to preserving what we have here,” he said.

COUNCILWOMAN Jackie Henderson asked the candidates’ positions on being involved with social services.

Moore replied that he believes local government officials should be “very much involved” with social services, including housing.

Councilwoman Pat Powell asked them what their best communication skill was, to which Moore answered that public speaking is what he’s done the most of, and he’s able to explain problems to people in a language they can understand.

COUNCILWOMAN Catherine Ballay quizzed the candidates on a strength of Coupeville.

“The natural beauty of the area is the strongest asset we have,” Moore said.

After the council deliberated the qualifications of the candidates in executive session, they announced their pick.

Powell said the decision was difficult. Mayor Molly Hughes thanked the candidates for applying, saying they were all strong qualified candidates.

Powell said she was glad to hear of Moore’s background an attorney. Crowell is also a retired attorney.

MOORE begins his term during at the Tuesday, Aug. 14 council meeting. His term expires Dec. 31, 2019.

“It is an honor to be selected for the Council position,” Moore said in an email.

“The other applicants were strong and well-qualified candidates and I certainly hope they will continue their interest in Town of Coupeville matters and consider possible future service. I look forward to working with Mayor Hughes, the council and the citizens of the community.”