By Pat Jenkins The Dispatch Jennie Hannah believes people should be involved in their communities, and she's doing her part as the newest member of the Eatonville Town Council. Hannah was appointed this month by the council to fill a seat that became vacant last December when Andy Powell resigned. She'll serve the rest of a four-year term before the office comes up for election again next year. Hannah was among three applicants for the appointment. The others were Brendan Pierce, a former council member who left office in December after not seeking re-election, and Brad McBeain. At a meeting March 21 that was held specifically to wrap up the appointment process, council members Abby Gribi, James Schrimpsher and Bob Walter voted to appoint Hannah. Councilman Robert Thomas voted no. The council thanked all three applicants for their interest. Schrimpsher said the decision was difficult and that he preferred adding someone with fresh views to the council. An application period that was originally scheduled to end Feb. 10 was extended by the council to March 11. Hannah, an Eatonville resident since the early 1990s, is a businesswoman. She has owned Cruiser Cafe the past six years, working alongside her family members, and previously was the owner of Truly Scrumptious Bakery. She said she became interested in the town's government and occasionally attended council meetings "to keep myself informed.GÇ¥ "I wish people would be more involved in their community. It's important to be an active part of it,GÇ¥ Hannah said. "I have an interest in where our community is going.GÇ¥ In her business role, Hannah is aware of the long-standing discussion about generating visitor-related commerce from people who make the trip to Mount Rainier National Park. "I hear visitors say, "Okay, we saw the mountain. What else can we do?'GÇ¥ Hannah related. "I would like to see Eatonville become more of a destination. But we need managed change. Change can't happen overnight.GÇ¥ The appointment of Hannah is the latest turnover of the membership. She is the fourth new member of the council since 2013. Gordon Bowman, who ran for mayor that year rather than another term on the council, was succeeded by Powell, the only candidate in 2013's election for the seat Bowman gave up. Walter also was elected that year. Halfway through his term, Powell stepped down because he moved out of Eatonville. The same month that Powell resigned, Robert Thomas took over in the seat he won in last year's election, replacing Pierce.
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