Whatcom County Council

Whatcom County held its traditional swearing-in ceremony for newly elected council members on Sunday afternoon, January 12, 2026. Four council members took the oath of office administered by County Auditor Stacey Hunter: Barry Buchanan (Council at Large Position A), Kaylee Galloway (District 1), Elizabeth Boyle (position not clearly specified in transcript), and Jessica Reenstra (District 3). The ceremony was presided over by the County Executive, who noted that the current council chair was also newly elected to a second term, making it appropriate for the executive to oversee the proceedings. The event was held in the County Council Chambers and followed the traditional format of individual oath administration. The County Executive used the occasion to reflect on the importance of representative government and the responsibility these positions carry. He emphasized that the council chambers serve as the place "where we maintain our freedom, maintain our laws, maintain our government" and stressed the collaborative relationship between the executive and legislative branches. Following the formal oath ceremony, attendees were invited to a reception in an adjacent room. The entire event lasted approximately 15-20 minutes and represented the peaceful transition of democratic governance that occurs every two years in Whatcom County.

This was a ceremonial event with no formal votes or policy decisions. The sole official action was the administration of oaths of office to four county council members, completing their transition from candidates to sworn officials. No agenda bills were considered and no motions were made.

**County Executive, on the importance of the council chambers:** "This chamber is a place where we maintain our freedom. We maintain our laws. We maintain our government." **County Executive, on the nature of council work:** "The matters come before you are always complex, that they, that's why they have come to you. If it was simple, it wouldn't have come to you." **County Executive, on good governance:** "Look at all the aspects or perspectives of the issues, so that you can make your best decisions, and good ideas come from all corners of the county." **County Executive, on representative government:** "This is a system we have chosen and has been successful 250 years. And we are committed to this system and we like to continue the system."

--- ## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE A structured study guide helping readers understand the meeting's content and context. ### Meeting Overview Whatcom County held a swearing-in ceremony on January 12, 2026, for four newly elected council members. The ceremony was conducted by County Auditor Stacey Hunter and overseen by the County Executive, marking the start of new terms for these local representatives. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Council At-Large Position:** A county council seat that represents the entire county rather than a specific district. Barry Buchanan was sworn in for Council At-Large Position A. **Council Districts:** Geographic divisions of the county where voters elect specific representatives. Kaylee Galloway represents District 1 and Jessica Reenstra represents District 3. **Oath of Office:** A formal pledge required by law where elected officials swear to uphold the Constitution, state laws, and local ordinances. This is administered by the County Auditor as the chief elections officer. **County Executive:** The chief administrative officer of the county government, responsible for implementing council decisions and providing information to help council members make informed choices. **Representative Government:** A system where citizens elect people to make decisions on their behalf, as mentioned by the County Executive as fundamental to American democracy for 250 years. **Charter and Ordinances:** The fundamental governing documents of Whatcom County - the charter establishes the structure of government, while ordinances are local laws passed by the county council. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Stacey Hunter | Whatcom County Auditor (administered oaths) | | County Executive | Presided over ceremony (name not stated in transcript) | | Barry Buchanan | Newly sworn Council Member, At-Large Position A | | Kaylee Galloway | Newly sworn Council Member, District 1 | | Elizabeth Boyle | Newly sworn Council Member (district not specified) | | Jessica Reenstra | Newly sworn Council Member, District 3 | ### Background Context Every two years, Whatcom County swears in newly elected council members following the general election cycle. This ceremonial event marks the official beginning of their terms and their legal authority to act as county legislators. The County Executive noted that the ceremony is traditionally administered by the council chair, but because the current chair was also newly elected for a second term, the executive took on this role instead. The swearing-in represents the peaceful transfer of democratic power that has been a cornerstone of American government for over two centuries. These four individuals will now join the county council, which serves as the legislative branch of county government, making decisions on budgets, policies, and ordinances that affect all Whatcom County residents. ### What Happened — The Short Version The County Executive opened the ceremony by explaining the importance of democratic governance and the responsibility these new council members were taking on. County Auditor Stacey Hunter then administered the oath of office to each of the four new council members in turn: Barry Buchanan (At-Large Position A), Kaylee Galloway (District 1), Elizabeth Boyle, and Jessica Reenstra (District 3). Each person raised their right hand and repeated the oath, swearing to support the U.S. Constitution, Washington State Constitution and laws, and Whatcom County's charter and ordinances. They pledged to perform their duties faithfully, diligently, impartially, and honestly to the best of their ability. After all four were sworn in, the County Executive offered advice to the new members about listening to all perspectives, taking time with complex issues, and being open to good ideas from throughout the county. The ceremony concluded with an invitation to a small reception. ### What to Watch Next - The first regular council meeting where these new members will participate in official business - Committee assignments for the new council members - Any organizational meetings to select new council leadership for 2026 --- ## MODULE S2: FLASH CARDS **Q:** Who administered the oath of office to the new council members? **A:** Stacey Hunter, the Whatcom County Auditor. **Q:** Why didn't the council chair administer the oaths as traditionally done? **A:** The current council chair was also a newly elected second-term member, so the County Executive took on this role instead. **Q:** What position does Barry Buchanan hold on the county council? **A:** Council At-Large Position A, representing the entire county rather than a specific district. **Q:** Which district does Kaylee Galloway represent? **A:** District 1. **Q:** Which district does Jessica Reenstra represent? **A:** District 3. **Q:** What are the main documents that council members swear to uphold in their oath? **A:** The U.S. Constitution, Washington State Constitution and laws, and Whatcom County's charter and ordinances. **Q:** How often does Whatcom County hold swearing-in ceremonies for council members? **A:** Every two years, following the general election cycle. **Q:** What key advice did the County Executive give to the newly sworn council members? **A:** Listen to everybody, don't rush to judgment on complex issues, and be open to good ideas from all corners of the county. **Q:** According to the County Executive, what is the relationship between the executive and council? **A:** The executive provides information to help council members make decisions, then carries out the decisions, ordinances, and spending that the council approves. **Q:** Where was the ceremony held? **A:** In the county council chambers, which the County Executive described as where freedom, laws, and government are maintained. **Q:** What system of government was being celebrated in this ceremony? **A:** Representative government, where citizens elect people to take on governing responsibilities on their behalf. **Q:** How long has this system of democratic governance been successful according to the County Executive? **A:** 250 years. **Q:** What happened after the oath ceremony concluded? **A:** The County Executive invited officials, council members, friends and relatives to a small reception in the back room. **Q:** What qualities did the County Executive emphasize as important for legislators? **A:** Listening to all perspectives, looking at all aspects of issues, and not rushing to judgment on complex matters. **Q:** What does the County Executive say about the issues that come before the council? **A:** They are always complex - if they were simple, they wouldn't need to come to the council for decision-making. --- ## MODULE S3: QUIZ WITH ANSWER KEY **Question 1: Who administered the oath of office during this ceremony?** - A) The County Executive - B) Stacey Hunter, County Auditor - C) The Council Chair - D) A Superior Court Judge **Question 2: How many newly elected council members were sworn in?** - A) Three - B) Four - C) Five - D) Six **Question 3: Which council member represents District 1?** - A) Barry Buchanan - B) Elizabeth Boyle - C) Kaylee Galloway - D) Jessica Reenstra **Question 4: What position does Barry Buchanan hold?** - A) Council District 2 - B) Council District 3 - C) Council At-Large Position A - D) Council Chair **Question 5: Why didn't the council chair traditionally administer the oaths this time?** - A) The chair was out of town - B) The chair was also newly elected - C) It's a new county policy - D) The chair declined to participate **Question 6: According to the County Executive, how long has the American system of representative government been successful?** - A) 200 years - B) 225 years - C) 250 years - D) 275 years **Question 7: What three main documents do council members swear to uphold?** - A) Only the U.S. Constitution - B) U.S. Constitution, state laws, and city ordinances - C) U.S. Constitution, Washington State Constitution and laws, and county charter and ordinances - D) State constitution, county charter, and parliamentary procedures **Question 8: What key advice did the County Executive give to new members about decision-making?** - A) Make decisions quickly and decisively - B) Always vote with the majority - C) Listen to everybody and don't rush to judgment - D) Focus only on their district's needs **Question 9: What is the County Executive's role in relation to council decisions?** - A) To override council decisions when necessary - B) To provide information and carry out council decisions - C) To vote on all council matters - D) To set the council's agenda **Question 10: Where was this swearing-in ceremony held?** - A) The county courthouse - B) County executive offices - C) The county council chambers - D) The county auditor's office **Answer Key:** **1. B — Stacey Hunter, County Auditor** administered the oath to all four council members, as stated multiple times in the transcript. **2. B — Four council members** were sworn in: Barry Buchanan, Kaylee Galloway, Elizabeth Boyle, and Jessica Reenstra. **3. C — Kaylee Galloway** represents District 1, as specified when she took her oath. **4. C — Council At-Large Position A** represents the entire county rather than a specific district, as stated in Buchanan's oath. **5. B — The chair was also newly elected** (for a second term), so the County Executive took on this role instead. **6. C — 250 years** is how long the County Executive said this system of representative government has been successful. **7. C — U.S. Constitution, Washington State Constitution and laws, and county charter and ordinances** are the three categories of governing documents mentioned in each oath. **8. C — Listen to everybody and don't rush to judgment** was the key advice about taking time with complex issues and being open to all perspectives. **9. B — To provide information and carry out council decisions** as the County Executive explained their role in relation to the council. **10. C — The county council chambers** was described by the County Executive as where freedom, laws, and government are maintained. --- ## MODULE S4: Q&A — COMMON QUESTIONS **Q: What's the difference between an at-large council position and a district position?** A: An at-large position represents the entire county - all voters countywide can vote for that candidate. A district position represents only a specific geographic area within the county. Barry Buchanan's at-large seat means he represents all Whatcom County residents, while Kaylee Galloway represents only District 1 residents and Jessica Reenstra represents only District 3 residents. **Q: Why do they have to take an oath - isn't getting elected enough?** A: The oath is a legal requirement that formally grants the person authority to act in their official capacity. Until they take the oath, they cannot legally vote on council matters, sign documents, or exercise any powers of office. The oath also creates a legal commitment to uphold the Constitution and laws, which can have consequences if violated. **Q: Who normally conducts these swearing-in ceremonies?** A: Traditionally, the council chair administers the oaths to new members. However, since the current chair was also newly elected (for a second term), the County Executive stepped in to oversee the ceremony while the County Auditor administered the actual oaths. The auditor typically handles this role as the county's chief elections officer. **Q: What happens now that these four people are sworn in?** A: They can now officially participate in county council meetings, vote on ordinances and budgets, serve on committees, and carry out all the duties of elected council members. They'll likely receive committee assignments and begin participating in the county's legislative work immediately. **Q: Does this mean the entire county council turned over?** A: No, these four represent newly elected members, but the transcript doesn't indicate how many total council seats there are or whether other members are continuing in their positions. The ceremony only covered those who were newly elected or re-elected and needed to take the oath. **Q: What kind of decisions will these council members be making?** A: As the County Executive noted, the issues that come to the council are always complex - if they were simple, they wouldn't need council action. This includes county budgets, land use policies, ordinances affecting residents, and other governance decisions that impact all of Whatcom County. **Q: What did the County Executive mean about providing "the right information" to council members?** A: The County Executive's role is to provide factual analysis, staff reports, budget data, and other information that council members need to make informed decisions. The executive branch researches and presents options, while the legislative branch (council) makes the final policy decisions. **Q: How often are these elections held?** A: Based on the County Executive's comments, these elections happen "every two years," meaning council members serve two-year terms in Whatcom County. **Q: Why did the County Executive emphasize listening to all perspectives?** A: The County Executive stressed that good ideas come from "all corners of the county" and "all kinds of people." Since council members represent diverse constituents with different needs and viewpoints, taking time to hear all sides helps ensure better decision-making on complex issues. **Q: What was the significance of holding this in the council chambers?** A: The County Executive described the chambers as "where we maintain our freedom, laws, and government" - emphasizing that this is the place where democratic governance actually happens. Holding the swearing-in there reinforces the importance and solemnity of the responsibility these new members are taking on.

## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE **Meeting ID:** WHA-CON-SPE-2026-01-12 A structured study guide helping readers understand the meeting's content and context. ### Meeting Overview Whatcom County held a swearing-in ceremony on January 12, 2026, for four newly elected council members. The ceremony was conducted by County Auditor Stacey Hunter and overseen by the County Executive, marking the start of new terms for these local representatives. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Council At-Large Position:** A county council seat that represents the entire county rather than a specific district. Barry Buchanan was sworn in for Council At-Large Position A. **Council Districts:** Geographic divisions of the county where voters elect specific representatives. Kaylee Galloway represents District 1 and Jessica Reenstra represents District 3. **Oath of Office:** A formal pledge required by law where elected officials swear to uphold the Constitution, state laws, and local ordinances. This is administered by the County Auditor as the chief elections officer. **County Executive:** The chief administrative officer of the county government, responsible for implementing council decisions and providing information to help council members make informed choices. **Representative Government:** A system where citizens elect people to make decisions on their behalf, as mentioned by the County Executive as fundamental to American democracy for 250 years. **Charter and Ordinances:** The fundamental governing documents of Whatcom County - the charter establishes the structure of government, while ordinances are local laws passed by the county council. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Stacey Hunter | Whatcom County Auditor (administered oaths) | | County Executive | Presided over ceremony (name not stated in transcript) | | Barry Buchanan | Newly sworn Council Member, At-Large Position A | | Kaylee Galloway | Newly sworn Council Member, District 1 | | Elizabeth Boyle | Newly sworn Council Member (district not specified) | | Jessica Reenstra | Newly sworn Council Member, District 3 | ### Background Context Every two years, Whatcom County swears in newly elected council members following the general election cycle. This ceremonial event marks the official beginning of their terms and their legal authority to act as county legislators. The County Executive noted that the ceremony is traditionally administered by the council chair, but because the current chair was also newly elected for a second term, the executive took on this role instead. The swearing-in represents the peaceful transfer of democratic power that has been a cornerstone of American government for over two centuries. These four individuals will now join the county council, which serves as the legislative branch of county government, making decisions on budgets, policies, and ordinances that affect all Whatcom County residents. ### What Happened — The Short Version The County Executive opened the ceremony by explaining the importance of democratic governance and the responsibility these new council members were taking on. County Auditor Stacey Hunter then administered the oath of office to each of the four new council members in turn: Barry Buchanan (At-Large Position A), Kaylee Galloway (District 1), Elizabeth Boyle, and Jessica Reenstra (District 3). Each person raised their right hand and repeated the oath, swearing to support the U.S. Constitution, Washington State Constitution and laws, and Whatcom County's charter and ordinances. They pledged to perform their duties faithfully, diligently, impartially, and honestly to the best of their ability. After all four were sworn in, the County Executive offered advice to the new members about listening to all perspectives, taking time with complex issues, and being open to good ideas from throughout the county. The ceremony concluded with an invitation to a small reception. ### What to Watch Next - The first regular council meeting where these new members will participate in official business - Committee assignments for the new council members - Any organizational meetings to select new council leadership for 2026 ---

## MODULE S2: FLASH CARDS **Meeting ID:** WHA-CON-SPE-2026-01-12 **Q:** Who administered the oath of office to the new council members? **A:** Stacey Hunter, the Whatcom County Auditor. **Q:** Why didn't the council chair administer the oaths as traditionally done? **A:** The current council chair was also a newly elected second-term member, so the County Executive took on this role instead. **Q:** What position does Barry Buchanan hold on the county council? **A:** Council At-Large Position A, representing the entire county rather than a specific district. **Q:** Which district does Kaylee Galloway represent? **A:** District 1. **Q:** Which district does Jessica Reenstra represent? **A:** District 3. **Q:** What are the main documents that council members swear to uphold in their oath? **A:** The U.S. Constitution, Washington State Constitution and laws, and Whatcom County's charter and ordinances. **Q:** How often does Whatcom County hold swearing-in ceremonies for council members? **A:** Every two years, following the general election cycle. **Q:** What key advice did the County Executive give to the newly sworn council members? **A:** Listen to everybody, don't rush to judgment on complex issues, and be open to good ideas from all corners of the county. **Q:** According to the County Executive, what is the relationship between the executive and council? **A:** The executive provides information to help council members make decisions, then carries out the decisions, ordinances, and spending that the council approves. **Q:** Where was the ceremony held? **A:** In the county council chambers, which the County Executive described as where freedom, laws, and government are maintained. **Q:** What system of government was being celebrated in this ceremony? **A:** Representative government, where citizens elect people to take on governing responsibilities on their behalf. **Q:** How long has this system of democratic governance been successful according to the County Executive? **A:** 250 years. **Q:** What happened after the oath ceremony concluded? **A:** The County Executive invited officials, council members, friends and relatives to a small reception in the back room. **Q:** What qualities did the County Executive emphasize as important for legislators? **A:** Listening to all perspectives, looking at all aspects of issues, and not rushing to judgment on complex matters. **Q:** What does the County Executive say about the issues that come before the council? **A:** They are always complex - if they were simple, they wouldn't need to come to the council for decision-making. ---