On Dec. 17, Vickie Raines stepped down from her position as Cosmopolis mayor, and stepping into her place moments later was pro tem Mayor Frank Chestnut.
Chestnut was unanimously appointed to succeed Raines by the Cosmopolis City Council.
“I had unanimous support from my council, which was really flattering and I was humbled when that happened,” Chestnut said.
Chestnut has been on the city council for five years — first appointed to the council in 2009 to fill an open seat, and then elected in 2011.
With insight to the inner workings of the city, Chestnut already is aiming for a series of goals to move the city forward into a successful future.
First on his list is the completion of Mill Creek Dam and the restoration of the park at the same site, both of which were damaged during a breach in 2008. The city is hoping to receive legislative funding during the upcoming session. Construction would begin in 2015 and the project could be complete as early as summer 2016.
Second, Chestnut would like the downtown beautification to continue through the south end of the corridor, with sidewalks running the entire length of town.
And third, he would like to decrease the city’s reliance on water and sewer from the City of Aberdeen.
“It’s a tremendous cost,” Chestnut said. “Right now, in terms of potable water, we have some test wells that are being looked at for flow and quality, and it’s looking pretty good. Soon we may be able to begin reducing our reliance on Aberdeen in terms of potable water. Sewers are not quite as easy, but we continue to explore that.”
The 65-year-old mayor was born and raised in Aberdeen. He attended Grays Harbor College before matriculating to Western Washington State College (now Western Washington University).
Chestnut left academic studies when the professional life beckoned, eventually becoming the International Woodworkers of America Union representative for Aberdeen, a position he held for 19 years. The union is now a part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Chestnut rounded out his career as a regional trust coordinator for Washington, northwest Oregon, Idaho and six states in the deep south.
“Not only did I work intimately with our local union and our members, stewards and officers, but I worked with hospitals, doctors, other providers, employers, and no two days were the same,” Chestnut said.
Chestnut and his wife, Sharon, moved to Cosmopolis in 1973. They have two adult children and three grandchildren.
He retired in 2011 but, not one to sit still, Chestnut hasn’t been idle in his retirement, continuing his involvement in local government.
A challenge facing many small communities — and large communities, as well — is on the horizon for Chestnut as he carries the weight of being mayor.
“It’s the same challenge that faces any municipality this size, and that’s revenue. Since the recession hit, we’re all strapped,” Chestnut said. “Revenues are not what we had anticipated, and the biggest challenge is trying to float the boat.”
For Chestnut, it’s a matter of courting business and residents.
“We hope to continue to engender an environment here that will attract small business,” he said. “And lots of people like to come live in Cosmopolis — they always have — and the more folks we have, the larger the tax base.”
Chestnut is filling out a short but notable legacy which had been established by Raines before she was elected as a county commissioner. And while Chestnut has had an active role and a front-row seat as Raines dealt with breaches, mill closures and city improvements, it’s hard to know exactly what you’re getting into until you’re there.
“Until you sit in the seat, you don’t get that perspective and you don’t see what it really is,” Chestnut said. “The responsibility can be really large. The seat commands the attention of about 1,645 people and the buck does stop here, and that can be fairly daunting, even in a small town, and maybe especially in a small town.”
The former mayor has stated her confidence in Chestnut’s ability to steer the city.
“Frank will do a great job,” Raines said. “He has a lot of experience working with the staff and, above all, we both share the same fondness for Cosmopolis and for the people of Cosmopolis.”
Chestnut will serve as mayor for the next year, covering the remainder of Raines’ unexpired term.
The position is up for re-election next year.
Still less than a month on the job, Chestnut is getting to work in the new position, relying in part on the city’s staff.
“All the department heads are wonderful, and all of their staff are equally good to work with,” Chestnut said. “They’re schooling me right now … I rely on them a lot, and will continue to do so.”
Chestnut’s council seat now is vacant. Letters of interest can be submitted to the city council. Residents of Cosmopolis are eligible and seats are elected at large.
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