City seeks new at-large council member following Rule’s resignation

Blaine City Council member Alicia Rule has resigned from Blaine City Council, in preparation for her new role as a state representative. Rule had served on council since 2018.

“It was a tough decision because Blaine is so near and dear to my heart and I’m so excited for all the growth that’s happening in Blaine,” Rule said in a phone interview with The Northern Light. “But I thought my best work would be done at state level for Blaine and that would allow for more opportunity for someone else at the city level.”

Rule, a Democrat, will start her position as 42nd Legislative District Position 1 representative in January after she beat Republican incumbent Luanne Van Werven in the November election.

Rule made the announcement in a December 4 email to mayor Bonnie Onyon, city manager Michael Jones and Blaine City Council.

“It has been one of the great honors and pleasures of my life to have served with you,” she wrote in her email. “I appreciate very much the opportunity to work with each of you and am grateful for all of your hard work to make our hometown a wonderful place to live, work and play.”

Although watching economic development grow in downtown was important to Rule, she said it was the smaller things like saving trees in Skallman Park that she’s most proud of during her time on council.

Rule said one of her favorite aspects of city council was getting to know local constituents, which she said is important for her to continue as she works at the state.

The application period to fill Rule’s position opened December 8. The term goes until December 31, 2021, and the city hopes to fill the position by January or February, Jones said. The application deadline is January 15 but Jones said it will remain open until filled.

Those who apply must be registered to vote in Whatcom County and need to have lived within Blaine city limits for at least one year, said Jones, adding where in Blaine does not matter because Rule was council’s at-large member.

Jones said councilmembers can also serve as state representative, if they choose.

“I’d like to thank representative-elect Rule for her service on council,” Jones said. “She will be missed, and I’ll wish her the best for what she’s moving on to.”

Applications for the at-large position are available on the city of Blaine’s website at bit.ly/2K1Vl1e. Rule can now be emailed at Alicia.rule@leg.wa.gov.