A former Union Gap mayor and city council member and a political newcomer are seeking the Union Gap City Council District 5 seat in the Nov. 7 general election.
Georgia Reitmire, a library manager for Yakima Valley Libraries, is taking her first steps into public service by running for the Position 5 seat. Jim Lemon served on the Union Gap City Council from 2000 to 2008 and as mayor from 2008 to 2013.
After he was re-elected mayor in November 2011, his office was abolished in a voter-approved proposition in 2012 to move from a strong-mayor system of government to a council and city manager system.
Lemon was appointed by statute as a temporary eighth member of the City Council for the remainder of his term, but resigned in April 2013 after challenging the city on whether he would receive the monthly council member stipend of $600 or his former mayoral stipend of $2,000 monthly. The city approved a $38,400 lump sum payment to Lemon to settle the dispute.
During his time as mayor, at least three former city employees filed lawsuits against Lemon and the city, alleging wrongful termination, gender discrimination and defamation among other issues.
Incumbent David Hansen is not seeking re-election.
Two other Union Gap City Council seats are on the ballot. Position 6 incumbent Julie Schilling is being challenged by former city council member Dave Matson. Position 4 incumbent Jack Galloway is unopposed.
Union Gap City Council members and its mayor are paid $600 monthly.
Union Gap’s role as a retail center for the Yakima Valley and Central Washington and its proximity to Interstate 82 have created some unique challenges. The population estimate for the city in July 2022 was 6,492, but many more people head to and pass through the city every day to visit or work at the Valley Mall or other large businesses within city limits, along with…
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