The April 16th meeting of the Lakehaven Utility District Board of Commissioners marked the retirement of Board Member Beverly J. Tweddle. Tweddle, a Lakehaven Commissioner since 1988, has been dealing with health problems in recent years making it increasingly difficult for her to attend Board meetings.

“The Board is saddened to see her leave” notes Board President Chuck Gibson. “She was an extremely effective representative of the ratepayers of this utility and her departure is a loss for the staff, Board, and customers of Lakehaven”. Ed Stewart, who has served with Tweddle on the Board for the past ten years, remembers his time working with Tweddle fondly. “Bev was an unwavering advocate for the ratepayer. She was always quick to point out that she was a citizen activist long before she became an elected official”.

Bev began her career in public service working for a small town located outside of Spokane, her hometown. She came to the City of Milton in the 1970’s to work as a city administrator. Following her time at Milton, she joined the Pierce County Wastewater Utility. While at Pierce County, she worked with Pierce County Executive Booth Gardner. When Gardner left Pierce County to become Governor of Washington, he brought Tweddle with him to Olympia to work in the Governor’s Office.

Bev Tweddle was elected to the Lakehaven Board in 1987, defeating long-time incumbent John Sawyer. While on the Lakehaven Board, she was appointed to serve on the Metro Council, a position she held until leaving to take a position at Metro in human resources. She retired from Metro in 1997 following its merger with King County.

Her interest in the welfare of the ratepayer inspired her to create Lakehaven’s Customer Assistance Program. The program assists low-income customers experiencing difficulty paying water and sewer bills. With an interest both in gardening and water conservation, Tweddle was instrumental in the establishment of the District’s Water Conservation Garden and Water Conservation Poster Contest.

The position held by Tweddle is currently vacant and will be filled by appointment by the Board of Commissioners. Persons interested in serving on the Board can submit an application for the position to Lakehaven. Applications are due by the close of business on May 1st. The form can be obtained at the District Main office, located at 31627 1st Ave. S, or on the District’s website, at www.Lakehaven.org. The appointee will be required to run in November for the two years remaining on the term held by Commissioner Tweddle. Questions about the application process can be directed to Lisa Alexander, Board Clerk, at 253-946-5420