La Center, Battle Ground welcome new city councilors
The cities of Battle Ground and La Center each welcomed a new council member this week.
On Wednesday, Myrna Leija was appointed as the Position 4 councilor in La Center.
According to a press release from the city on Friday, Leija has an extensive background working for law enforcement agencies in Clark County.
Leija steps into the council seat left vacant after Councilor Thomas Strobehn was appointed mayor in April. Strobehn took over the role of mayor after Greg Thornton announced he was stepping down in March.
Leija will serve as city councilor until results from the upcoming November general election have been certified. She is running for election to a full term as the Position 4 councilor in that election. Leija previously ran for a La Center council seat in 2021.
Leija has lived in La Center since 2019. She is an active member of her community who serves on the Veterans and First Responders Board of Southwest Washington, Armed Women of America and also heads the women’s ministry at the La Center Church.
On Thursday, Daniel Dingman was appointed to the Battle Ground City Council, taking his official oath of office during the council meeting that day. Dingman will serve as the Position 3 councilor until the November general election results are certified.
Dingman replaces Councilor Shauna Walters, who announced in May would be stepping down at the end of the month because she had purchased a home outside Battle Ground city limits.
According to a press release Friday, the city received four applications from residents interested in the temporary term. The applications were evaluated during a June 12 special meeting. Three applicants were selected to move forward to interview during the council’s June 15 meeting.
Dingman will also be seeking a full term in office in the November general election. This is Dingman’s first run for office.
For more information about the Battle Ground City Council, go to www.cityofbg.org/council.
For more information about the La Center City Council, go to https://ci.lacenter.wa.us/city-departments/city-council-mayor.
— Shari Phiel
