New BI councilmembers sworn in, Moriwaki to serve as mayor
Published 1:30 am Thursday, January 15, 2026
The Bainbridge Island City Council swore in new Councilmembers Lara Lant, Mike Nelson, and returning Councilmember Clarence Moriwaki, who was also voted in as mayor, as part of its Jan. 13 meeting.
BI Municipal Court Judge Thomas Alpaugh performed the oath of office. Council voted in favor of Moriwaki becoming the city’s new mayor for a one-year term, and Kirsten Hytopoulos as deputy mayor for a six-month term. Moriwaki expressed his excitement to work with new councilmembers Nelson and Lant, adding, “While there’s a lot of stuff outside that we can’t control, we can make our community great, and we can set an example of what it is to truly govern well and to stand by the laws that we all agreed to uphold,” he said.
Lant shared her excitement about joining the council.
“I’m so grateful to be here today, and I’m very excited to take all of the comments I’ve heard in the last six months and work together with the people I’ve spoken with and the people here on this dais to work towards the betterment of this city,” she said.
Nelson said he’s honored to serve the people of Bainbridge island adding, “I will always remember this seat does not belong to me, it belongs to the people, and so I will always endeavor to listen to the people,” he said.
Outgoing mayor and current Councilmember Ashley Mathews shared her appreciation of working with the council, city staff, community members, and volunteers, adding, “You are the connective tissue of this island. Your commitment is a reminder that democracy doesn’t only live in City Hall, it lives in classrooms, kitchens, trails, and meeting rooms across the island. I also want to thank my family and loved ones. Public service asks a great deal not only of the person serving, but of those who stand beside them,” she said.
