POULSBO — Abby Garland was sworn in Feb. 7 as City Council member for Position 7.

Garland ran as a write-in candidate for the position, but was outpolled by the sole candidate on the ballot, John Bukowsky. But after Bukowsky declined to accept the position, citing the demands of his day job, she applied for appointment to the position.

After a series of interviews on Jan. 27, the City Council chose Garland from a field of nine applicants, which included former mayor Kathryn Quade.

“I think it would be a good step forward for Poulsbo to have a someone with direct insight on what it’s like to be a mom in this community today,” Garland said in her interview for the position. Garland, a stay-at-home mom, said she wants to focus on issues affecting families — such as the need for more childcare services in the city.

Garland had her sons Noah and Micah at her side and daughter Selah in her arms during her swearing-in ceremony and received a warm welcome from Mayor Becky Erickson after the swearing in.

“I know you’re going to do a terrific job and I want to thank you for stepping up and coming to join us in city government,” Erickson said.

At the meeting, Garland volunteered to serve on the Community Services Committee and the Public Safety Committee.

— Nick Twietmeyer is a reporter for Kitsap News Group. Contact him at ntwietmeyer@soundpublishing.com.