Councilmembers Erika Barnett and Will Chen flash a confident thumbs up as they thank attendees and close the event. (Photos by Larry Vogel)
Newly elected Position 3 Edmonds City Councilmember Erika Barnett joined re-elected Position 2 Councilmember Will Chen for an official swearing-in ceremony on Saturday morning at the Asian Service Center on Highway 99.
More than 75 supporters, elected officials, friends and family were on hand as Everett District Court Judge Tam Bui, recently elected to the Washington State Appeals Court, administered the oaths of office. Bui will assume her new role on the Appeals Court bench effective Jan. 1.
Edmonds City Council student representative Vivian Liao greets attendees and introduces Chen and Barnett.
Edmonds City Council student representative Vivian Liao opened the event by greeting attendees and introducing the two councilmembers. She noted Chen’s strong background in accounting and finance and praised Barnett as a person who will bring a “valuable and thoughtful voice” to the Edmonds City Council.
Judge Bui then administered the oaths of office, officially swearing the two in as councilmembers. Note that while ceremonial oaths are scheduled for the first Edmonds Council meeting in 2026, Saturday’s actions officially installed Barnett and Chen as councilmembers for the next four years. Judge Tam Bui congratulates Erika Barnett on her new position.
In her remarks following the swearing in, Barnett noted both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, pledging to work with all stakeholders to meet them.
“I want to express my deep gratitude to the people of Edmonds for placing trust in me,” she began. “Edmonds is special not only for its physical beauty – downtown, waterfront and neighborhoods – but also for the people who show up for one another, the small business owners, volunteers, families, advocates and city staff.” In her remarks after taking the oath of office, Barnett thanked Edmonds residents for their trust.
Barnett replaces Councilmember Neil Tibbott, who chose not to run for reelection. She reiterated her three key themes of balancing fiscal responsibility with creativity, protecting the city’s character while planning thoughtfully for the future, and building stronger bridges between government and community.
“I look forward to working alongside my fellow councilmembers and with all of you to strengthen what makes Edmonds such a remarkable place to live,” she said. “We may not agree on every issue, but I am confident that when we anchor our work in respect, transparency and commitment to the common good, we will find our way forward. Thank you again for the trust you’ve placed in me. I’m honored to serve, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.” Judge Bui congratulates Will Chen.
After renewing his oath, Will Chen thanked attendees for their presence and echoed Barnett’s remarks about the host of attributes that make Edmonds such a special place.
“I want to particularly acknowledge all the residents and business owners who roll up their sleeves every single day to make our city a better place,” he said. “My commitment continues to be enhancing public safety and building a sustainable, inclusive future for our city for the next generations to embrace.”
He then shared his personal story about arriving in the U.S. as a 24-year-old immigrant with limited English, and going straight from the airport to a restaurant kitchen where he was handed an apron and told “welcome to America.” After taking the oath, Chen reaffirmed his focus on public safety, fiscal sustainability and a more inclusive Edmonds.
“I worked seven days a week cooking, cleaning, prepping meat andcutting veggies. I made $800 a month, saved $200 for myself and sent the rest of the money home.”he said. “I would never have imagined that today I would have this opportunity to serve our city as a councilmember. It has been a dream come true for me, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity that you have given me to join with you in building a stronger community.”
Following these remarks the event concluded with both candidates returning to the podium for photos and to again thank attendees for coming.
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Once a new city councilmember is sworn in, they immediately take on the role and its responsibilities, even if the outgoing member’s official term hasn’t technically ended. The oath of office serves as the legal point at which authority transfers, meaning only one person can occupy the position at any given time.
As such, did Neil Tibbott’s tenure in Council Position #3 end when Erika Barnett was sworn in earlier today? Although the calendar might suggest their terms overlap, the act of swearing in appears to ensure a seamless transition and consistent governance.
In summary, it seems that Erika Barnett now holds Council Position #3 and will be present on the Dais this Tuesday night, having taken the oath of office. This standard helps avoid confusion, prevents dual authority, and maintains the integrity of the legislative process.
Is Erika Barnett the official councilmember for Position 3, with all rights to vote and participate in council business? I believe so, but hope My Edmonds News can provide confirmation.
Under Washington law and standard municipal practice, the oath of office is the legal moment authority transfers. Only one person can occupy a council position at a time. Once sworn in, the new councilmember assumes all rights and responsibilities of the office — voting, participation, and presence on the dais — regardless of any perceived calendar overlap.
If Erika Barnett was sworn in, then she is the lawful holder of Council Position #3. Full stop.
The larger concern is this: residents should not have to ask a media outlet to confirm whether their elected officials have been properly sworn in or who currently holds legislative authority. That information should be crystal clear, promptly communicated, and formally documented by the City itself.
Clear governance, clear transitions, and clear public communication are not optional — they are foundational to trust. If citizens are left guessing about who is legally seated, that’s a problem City Hall needs to fix immediately.
I’d like to clarify questions regarding my recent swearing-in and when my term on the Edmonds City Council officially begins.
Under Washington State law, the oath of office and the start of a councilmember’s term are related but distinct. For a regular full-term city council seat, RCW 29A.60.280 provides that the outgoing councilmember’s term ends — and the successor’s term begins — immediately after December 31 following the election (January 1).
The oath of office is part of the qualification process and may be taken after election certification and in advance of the term start. Taking the oath ensures all legal requirements are complete before assuming office, but it does not change the statutory start date of the term.
Accordingly:
-Councilmember Neil Tibbott remains the lawful holder of Council Position #3 through December 31.
-I officially assume the role on January 1, at which time I will take my seat on the dais and begin participating in council business.
-There is no overlap in authority, and at no time are two people legally occupying the same seat.
Early swearing-ins are common and intended to ensure a smooth, lawful transition.
Thank you to residents for their attention to transparency and good governance. I look forward to serving Edmonds beginning in January.
Thanks for providing the answer to my question Councilmember-elect Barnett. I learned something new today and am thankful for that. I look forward to you assuming your new role on January 1st.
Congratulations to Erika Barnett and Will Chen on being officially sworn in as Edmonds City Councilmembers. Stepping into public service is no small thing, and both of you bring distinct strengths and lived experience that will matter in the years ahead.
Erika’s emphasis on fiscal responsibility, protecting Edmonds’ character, and building stronger connections between City Hall and the community speaks to exactly what residents are asking for right now. Will’s background in accounting and finance, combined with his personal story and commitment to public safety and a sustainable future, adds an important and grounded perspective to the council table.
It was also a reminder of how much these moments matter — not just to those being sworn in, but to the institution itself. Showing up is part of the job, and civic traditions carry weight, especially during times of transition. I was proud to attend this swearing in.
Edmonds is at a moment where clear-eyed leadership, respect for one another, and a willingness to do the hard work really counts. I wish you both success as you serve our city and look forward to seeing you tackle the challenges ahead with thoughtfulness and integrity.
I have a question. Since CM Barnett takes her position Jan. 1, is it possible at that time that a CM could introduce a motion to repeal the recently passed utility tax increase and possibly bring it to the floor for a vote?
The story says that the official swearing-ins have been done and the ceremonial ones will be in January. I believe it’s the reverse of that – they are official in January.
Regarding Mike’s question, as I recall, such a motion can only be introduced by a CM who had voted in the majority.
Congrats! Hopeful that Erika & Will, bring a new level of transparency to city hall. Please get the city to explain or clarify their ‘$8M in cuts’ statement.
Trust & transparency will make future financial requests of residents easier. I like to say ‘yes’, once in a while.
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Wonderful. Congratulations Erika Barnett and Will Chen.
Once a new city councilmember is sworn in, they immediately take on the role and its responsibilities, even if the outgoing member’s official term hasn’t technically ended. The oath of office serves as the legal point at which authority transfers, meaning only one person can occupy the position at any given time.
As such, did Neil Tibbott’s tenure in Council Position #3 end when Erika Barnett was sworn in earlier today? Although the calendar might suggest their terms overlap, the act of swearing in appears to ensure a seamless transition and consistent governance.
In summary, it seems that Erika Barnett now holds Council Position #3 and will be present on the Dais this Tuesday night, having taken the oath of office. This standard helps avoid confusion, prevents dual authority, and maintains the integrity of the legislative process.
Is Erika Barnett the official councilmember for Position 3, with all rights to vote and participate in council business? I believe so, but hope My Edmonds News can provide confirmation.
Ken’s question shouldn’t even be necessary.
Under Washington law and standard municipal practice, the oath of office is the legal moment authority transfers. Only one person can occupy a council position at a time. Once sworn in, the new councilmember assumes all rights and responsibilities of the office — voting, participation, and presence on the dais — regardless of any perceived calendar overlap.
If Erika Barnett was sworn in, then she is the lawful holder of Council Position #3. Full stop.
The larger concern is this: residents should not have to ask a media outlet to confirm whether their elected officials have been properly sworn in or who currently holds legislative authority. That information should be crystal clear, promptly communicated, and formally documented by the City itself.
Clear governance, clear transitions, and clear public communication are not optional — they are foundational to trust. If citizens are left guessing about who is legally seated, that’s a problem City Hall needs to fix immediately.
Clarification on Council Position #3 Transition
I’d like to clarify questions regarding my recent swearing-in and when my term on the Edmonds City Council officially begins.
Under Washington State law, the oath of office and the start of a councilmember’s term are related but distinct. For a regular full-term city council seat, RCW 29A.60.280 provides that the outgoing councilmember’s term ends — and the successor’s term begins — immediately after December 31 following the election (January 1).
The oath of office is part of the qualification process and may be taken after election certification and in advance of the term start. Taking the oath ensures all legal requirements are complete before assuming office, but it does not change the statutory start date of the term.
Accordingly:
-Councilmember Neil Tibbott remains the lawful holder of Council Position #3 through December 31.
-I officially assume the role on January 1, at which time I will take my seat on the dais and begin participating in council business.
-There is no overlap in authority, and at no time are two people legally occupying the same seat.
Early swearing-ins are common and intended to ensure a smooth, lawful transition.
Thank you to residents for their attention to transparency and good governance. I look forward to serving Edmonds beginning in January.
— Erika Barnett
Councilmember-elect, Position #3
Thanks for providing the answer to my question Councilmember-elect Barnett. I learned something new today and am thankful for that. I look forward to you assuming your new role on January 1st.
Congratulations to Erika Barnett and Will Chen on being officially sworn in as Edmonds City Councilmembers. Stepping into public service is no small thing, and both of you bring distinct strengths and lived experience that will matter in the years ahead.
Erika’s emphasis on fiscal responsibility, protecting Edmonds’ character, and building stronger connections between City Hall and the community speaks to exactly what residents are asking for right now. Will’s background in accounting and finance, combined with his personal story and commitment to public safety and a sustainable future, adds an important and grounded perspective to the council table.
It was also a reminder of how much these moments matter — not just to those being sworn in, but to the institution itself. Showing up is part of the job, and civic traditions carry weight, especially during times of transition. I was proud to attend this swearing in.
Edmonds is at a moment where clear-eyed leadership, respect for one another, and a willingness to do the hard work really counts. I wish you both success as you serve our city and look forward to seeing you tackle the challenges ahead with thoughtfulness and integrity.
I have a question. Since CM Barnett takes her position Jan. 1, is it possible at that time that a CM could introduce a motion to repeal the recently passed utility tax increase and possibly bring it to the floor for a vote?
The story says that the official swearing-ins have been done and the ceremonial ones will be in January. I believe it’s the reverse of that – they are official in January.
Regarding Mike’s question, as I recall, such a motion can only be introduced by a CM who had voted in the majority.
Thank you Ron.
Congrats! Hopeful that Erika & Will, bring a new level of transparency to city hall. Please get the city to explain or clarify their ‘$8M in cuts’ statement.
Trust & transparency will make future financial requests of residents easier. I like to say ‘yes’, once in a while.