Seward City Council has unanimously decided to offer Erin Reinders the city’s helm.

Reinders, who currently serves as the assistant city manager of Unalaska, was the top choice of the seven council members over Scott Meszaros, the former town manager of Meeker, Colorado.

The council, and many members of the public who spoke at a special meeting Monday night, said her experience working in Alaska and in a town similar to Seward was a big plus.

Many community members and the council also showed excitement at having a fresh start when it comes to city leadership. Seward has had a tumultuous year, with former City Manager Jim Hunt resigning in August 2018 and interim City Manager Jeff Bridges leaving in March.

“It is time to move forward and give this individual a clean slate,” said council member Jeremy Horn. “It’s been a tumultuous couple of years … Let’s move forward and do good, positive things for the community.”

The council will now enter negotiations with Reinders and a negotiating committee, comprised of Mayor David Squires and council members Jeremy Horn and Suzi Towsley.