David Fritz joins Washougal City Council

The Washougal City Council has chosen a longtime real estate developer to join its ranks.

The council appointed David Fritz to its No. 3 position during a meeting Oct. 24, filling the spot vacated by David Stuebe, who was appointed to the mayor position in September, replacing Rochelle Ramos.

“Those who know me would not be surprised that I’m here,” Fritz said during the meeting. “I’ve been around city and local government throughout my life. … I am genuinely interested in serving the community. I do think my background in real estate development can benefit the council. I also am very skilled in project management. I understand financial (matters). I’ve got ideas for growth and (improving our) parks. I’m a pretty energetic person and welcome the opportunity to be of assistance.”

The six sitting council members interviewed Washougal residents Fritz, Dave Ellis and Brian Johnson for the position, brought back Fritz and Johnson for a second round of questioning, then cast their final votes. Ernie Suggs, Julie Russell and Janice Killion voted for Fritz, while Stuebe and Molly Coston voted for Johnson. Michelle Wagner abstained from voting, stating that she viewed both finalists as equally deserving.

Fritz currently works as a real estate manager for the Dollar General Corp., a Tennessee-based variety store company.

Fritz said he grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and moved to Washougal in 2014.

“My interest in serving on city council is rooted in a deep sense of community that has grown over the past eight years that my family and I have lived here,” he wrote. “Our children attended and graduated from local schools. (My wife and I) walk in the local parks, shop at local businesses and participate in community events. My wife is employed at a Washougal-based business, and I have worked from my home office almost all of the past eight years, so I, too, live and work in Washougal.”

Fritz wrote that outside of work, he enjoys “healthy outdoor activities of all sorts” and has a “genuine appreciation for beautiful places and wildlife.”