Poplawski takes seat at city council in Grand Coulee

Tom Poplawski, a retired state parks employee, was named to fill a vacant seat on Grand Coulee’s city council.

Three people had submitted their names for the vacant position, but one withdrew his name the night the selection was made.

Poplawski was sworn in last Tuesday night to fill the vacant seat, position 2, formerly held by Tim Alling, who chose not to run again for office.

The new councilman served as park manager at Steamboat Rock State Park from 1996 to 2012, when he retired. Poplawski had a 37-year career in the state park system and served in eight different state parks.

He had served at Peace Arch State Park, Saltwater State Park, South Whidbey State Park, and Ginkgo, Twin Harbors and Alta Lake state parks.

Poplawski will have to run for a full four-year term at the next municipal election.