Jacob Dimond / jake@yelmonline.com
The re-election of two Yelm City Councilors, David Johnstone and Stephanie Kangiser, was made official during a council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 25, as the two city representatives were sworn in.
Kangiser was the only of the two to swear in during last Tuesday’s Yelm City Council meeting, as Johnstone sworn in earlier in the day at the Thurston County Swearing-In Ceremony at South Puget Sound Community College.
While swearing in, Kangiser pledged that she will support the Constitution of the United States, along with the laws of the state of Washington. She said she will faithfully and impartially perform and discharge the duties of the office of City of Yelm City Council Position No. 4.
Kangiser was initially appointed to Yelm City Council in April 2024 after former Yelm City Councilor Holly Smith resigned from her role.
“It was an honor to be sworn in on Tuesday, November 25, to my first elected term on the Yelm City Council,” Kangiser said. “After spending the last year and a half serving in an appointed capacity, I’ve learned so much — and I’m excited to continue growing. I look forward to serving our beautiful city, listening to our community, and deepening my understanding of government, land use, and infrastructure. Thank you for trusting me with this role. I will give it my all.”
Johnstone, who was appointed to Yelm City Council in May of 2025 after former councilor Trevor Palmer was deployed overseas, said it was great to swear in at a ceremony at South Puget Sound Community College.
“Being sworn in at the countywide ceremony was a moment I won’t forget,” Johnstone said on Monday, Dec. 1. “Standing alongside others who have committed themselves to serving our communities gave me a real sense of the history, tradition, and respect that local public service carries. It wasn’t just a formality, it was a reminder of the trust our residents place in us and the responsibility that comes with that.
“I felt genuinely honored to be part of an event that represents so much more than taking an oath,” he added. “It opened my eyes even further to the weight of this role and the expectation to serve with integrity and humility. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent Yelm, and I approach this responsibility with deep respect for the people who put their confidence in me.”
