With the departure of former councilmembers Tony Binion and Kyle Jacobson last month, the Enumclaw City Council is in need of appointing new members to its ranks.

Luckily, the Enumclaw community has provided nearly a dozen applicants for the remaining council to choose from.

Deadline for becoming a council applicant was Monday, Feb. 15, after press deadline, so this may not be a complete list, but folks who are interested in how all the candidates interview with the council can do so during the Feb. 22 meeting. The council plans to deliberate and make motions to appoint two candidates on March 8, and swear those candidates in on March 22.

Until then, here’s a preview of who has applied, in order of when they submitted their applications:

First up is local photographer Lauren Lilly, who is a third-generation resident of Enumclaw.

“I have worked in this community for over 20 years and have seen this beautiful town change and grow many times,” she wrote in her application letter. “The people in this community are what I love most. Being an artist that thrives on the business of Enumclaw’s very own has shown me just how incredible our town really is.”

Lilly currently runs Lauren Lilly Photography, but also has education and practical experience in business administration and accounting.

Next in line is Julie Johnson, who has lived in the city for more than two decades and, in addition to being a former small business owner, boasts strong experience as a destination marketing contractor with ties to the Port of Seattle, the Washington State Tourism Alliance, Visit Seattle, Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, and Travel Tacoma. She also spent six years as a public relations contractor for Visit Rainier, which promotes tourism for Enumclaw’s arguably most iconic landmark.

“This past year I have been incredibly impressed with the ideas and accomplishments implemented by city leaders to keep our downtown area thriving and would love to not only be a part of, but also add value to, this progressive movement,” Johnson wrote. “Maintaining the charm and quality of life found in Enumclaw is of great importance to me.”

Third is Jacob Day, who currently runs locally-based Modern Fire Protection since July 2020, and has myriad experience with various fire protection firms over his career.

“As a business owner here in town, my wife and I have personally felt the impacts of the Stay At Home Orders and Mandates. We’ve been impressed at how our awesome little city has handled this but I want to get involved and try to see what can be implemented to avoid that altogether in the future,” he wrote. adding that he aims to “strike a balance between keeping citizens and residents happy and to vote with their best interests at heart, as well as thinking of how Enumclaw is viewed by our surrounding communities and potential patrons.”

As a plus, Day claims he’s been a large contributor to some ideas that have come to fruition inside the city, including the new dog park and closing down Cole Street to help local businesses.

Next comes Nolan McSheridan III, the son of a local farmer and co-owner of the Plateau Athletic Club.

“I have developed a deep appreciation for the history of agriculture, and the work undertaken by family farms. I will be an ardent supporter of local farmers, workers and their continued incorporation into community events along with the general discussion,” he wrote. “As someone that owns, operates, and manages my own business — from individual client programs to finances and accounting — I believe in fiscal responsibility, strategic foresight, and the Socratic Method.”

McSheridan also specified that he would like to work on the Community Services Committee to organize and promote arts events and health and fitness programs in local parks.

Fifth is Ed Storton, who moved to Enumclaw with his wife in 2018 and wasted little time getting involved in his local church and HOA.

“Since moving to this community Susie and I have many times discussed me joining the council. It would give me something meaningful to do upon retirement,” he wrote. “If appointed, I would look forward to assisting the council and the city in addressing the concerns of the day, from the COVID-19 response to the economic impact of local businesses and the issues associated with keeping a vibrant downtown.”

Storton boasts more than 40 years of project management experience, which includes budgeting skills and balancing schedules.

The next candidate should seem familiar to those who follow the council already — Jerry Chevassus is the father of current Councilmember Beau Chevassus, and has lived in Enumclaw for 25 years.

“My goals for our wonderful, small town are: 1) Continued responsible business and residential growth; 2) Growth of tourism; [and] 3) Support of our Public Safety Department personnel,” Chevassus wrote. “Business development, tourism and overall commerce can be a delicate task, but if done correctly, it will enable the city to continue to provide and oversee a high quality if life in a manner that does not forsake or forget our history and charm of a small farming community that is growing.”

Chevassus has a background in real estate and business development, and currently works with Amazon, helping develop the online giant’s Seattle-based cashier-less storefronts and its grocery business.

Seventh is Nick Cochran, who has lived in Enumclaw nearly four decades and has owned and operated the Dirty Brush, a custom mural and design business, for 16 years.

“True success is based on effective results, and I have conducted my professional and personal life along this standard,” he wrote. “As an entrepreneur and business owner, I understand the responsibility required to oversee budgets, expansion, overhead, employment, and long term goals.”

As a plus, Cochran is also a current member of the design review and tourism advisory boards for the city.

Throwing a curveball into the mix is Chris Gruner, who has lived in Enumclaw for seven years since being discharged from the military; Gruner was in the Air Force for nearly 12 years, and was deployed to the Middle East three times.

“I have a passion for serving others and making improvements where I am able,” he wrote. “Enumclaw has a strong sense of community and a unique small-town character — qualities worth preserving. I hope to work alongside you to keep our city safe, strengthen our small businesses, and provide support for the most vulnerable.”

Ninth is Charles Martinez, who grew up in Enumclaw and recently moved back. He’s the co-owner and operator of Take Back Your Life, a fitness and lifestyle program, with his wife.

“After opening our business and considering the recent pandemic along with its effects on businesses across the country, I felt the need to do everything I could to support the hardworking families that have given so much to this community,” he wrote. “That is why I decided to apply for one of the city council vacancies.”

Next is Thomas Sauvageau, who has been living in Enumclaw since 2016. He owns three local businesses — Sauvageau CFO, Bordeaux Wine Bar, and ERTC.

“As my kids begin to make their transitions from high school to college, I’m looking for more ways to serve the local community,” he wrote. “I enjoy using my strengths in finance and consulting to help the different entities and organizations I’ve been a part of and believe I would be well suited to serve as a city council member.”

In addition to his businesses, Sauvageau has volunteered in many facets of the community, from the Enumclaw Schools Foundation, the Sunrise Elementary PTA, and the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce. He’s also a continuing education teacher with the Green River Community College.

Last, but certainly not least, is Linsey Anglemyer, who was born and raised in Enumclaw.

“While watching the city change over the decades, I decided it was time for me to become an active member of the community,” she wrote. “I believe my skills as a Managing Broker and Association Manager while working for a small local company will bring insight toward help guiding the mayor and city council to make decisions about our small community.”

Anglemyer has been with Protocol Property Managment since 2007, and has served as a managing broker since 2013.