North Bend fills vacant commission positions

NORTH BEND - City Council members approved the appointment of a handful of residents to fill a number of positions last week. The following people have been appointed to city commissions:

Aron Swedin, Planning Commission - Swedin's appointment is effective Mar. 1 and expires May 11, 2007. Swedin has been a member of the community for more than 3 years and has 7 years experience working in different capacities in local planned communities.

Christopher Garcia, Planning Commission - Garcia's term, effective immediately, expires May 11, 2007. Garcia is a local business owner and has served the community in various capacities including the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Governmental Affairs Committee, Youth HUB, Alpine Days committee and has been a Mount Si High School vocational advisor.

Lee Hartman, Parks Commission - Hartman's term, effective immediately, will expire Jan. 1, 2006. Hartman holds a master's of education from the University of Washington and has served the local community in various capacities. Hartman was the 1995 "Environmentalist of the Year" for the city of Issaquah.

Jerry Venera, Parks Commission - Venera's term, effective immediately, will expire Jan. 1, 2004. Venera has been a member of the community for more than 40 years and was instrumental in developing and organizing the city's sports leagues and facilities.

Karen Tavener, Parks Commission - Tavener's term, effective immediately, expires Jan. 1, 2004. Tavener has been a member of the community for more than 11 years and has served the area by participating in "Operation Santa Claus," distributing food at the North Bend Community Church and volunteering at North Bend Elementary.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.