Scott Thomas named Town administrator and attorney

Scott Thomas has been chosen by Mayor Ramon Hayes to be La Conner’s administrator and attorney, the mayor announced Nov. 17. Thomas, a Mount Vernon lawyer in private practice, has been city attorney in both Burlington and Mount Vernon. He trained as an architect and has lengthy experience in local government, particularly in planning and land use.

“We are fortunate to have a person with a tremendous breadth of experience in law, planning and architecture,” said Hayes. Thomas was chosen after a second round of vetting candidates to replace John Doyle, who had announced his retirement in September. Then, Hayes asked Town Council members John Leaver and Mary Wohleb to assist him in the search process. Under La Conner’s municipal code, the mayor is solely responsible for appointing department heads.

No viable candidate emerged from the first call to fill Doyle’s position. Hayes reached out to Thomas, whom he has known for 10 years. A second candidate with 30 years of experience in parks and recreation also applied. Wohleb confirmed Hayes view that the two qualified candidates made the decision difficult. “Ramon’s made a wise decision and the town’s going to benefit,” she said.

Hayes praised the council members efforts, saying they did a masterful job and noting they were “heavily involved with all interviews. Their input was invaluable.” He expressed gratitude to Doyle and town staff for participating in the multiple-stage interview process.

Hayes was attracted to Thomas for his 14 years as city attorney and extensive government experience. “He wanted to get back into municipal government and help communities,” he said. “We can be confident that Scott Thomas is a very qualified individual. He is a team player. La Conner will be in a position to move into the future” under his management, said Hayes. “I feel very glad that we found a person to fill John Doyle’s position.”

In 2001 Doyle became the town planner. In 2008 he was appointed administrator while continuing as planner, a decision influenced by budgetary restraints.

Hayes admitted his evolution in thinking about a dual-position administrator, calling a combined position “a must for a town our size.”

Thomas will be paid $95,000 annually. January 1, 2018 is his start date, though he will train with Doyle in December. Doyle’s last day is December 31.