PORT TOWNSEND – Following interviews and a closed executive session, the City Council reconvened Monday night to appoint George Randels to the council seat that Scott Walker vacated in March.

Randels takes the oath of office and the seat at the next council meeting Monday.

The council chose Randels, who most recently served as city Planning Commission chairman, over retired architect Todd Wexman.

During his interview, the 64-year-old Randels paraphrased Oliver Wendall Holmes, saying taxes are the price we pay for good government.

“In that context, I think we should finance the things that are needed to make this town work the way it best works,” he said, responding to a question from Councilwoman Catharine Robinson about raising taxes and using the city’s bank capacity.

Randels, who has said he would run for the council seat when it comes up for election in November 2009, fills the seat for a two-year unexpired term. At that time the seat will be open for election to a four-year unexpired term.

During public comment to the council on April 16, several residents came forward to support Randels. None spoke for Wexman.

In his pitch for the council seat, Wexman told the council that instead of spending tax dollars on new projects, “we need to look closely where we can save money,” including such departments as police and public works.

He called on city leaders to do more with what the city has and to save dollars rather than seek new taxes.

Wexman, who has been involved in EarthDay EveryDay, urged city leaders to protect and enhance the city’s natural character.

Randels has been active in civic affairs, including the Fort Worden Advisory Committee and the city golf course task force.

As a planning commissioner, he has been involved in crafting the critical areas and shoreline master program, and adult business and formula store ordinances.

He told the council he was most proud of his work on the Planning Commission, especially the Shoreline Master Program.