Lacey’s former mayor Halvorson joins city’s historical commission, sees new museum as his ‘mission’

The Lacey Historical Commission welcomed its newest commissioner, former City Mayor Jon Halvorson.

During the commission’s meeting on Wednesday, June 21, Halvorson said the main reason why he joined the commission is that he wants to work on the new Lacey Museum.

“It's time to get the Lacey Museum built and operational,” Halvorson said. “That’s my mission.”

At the same meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Burbidge said they are planning to put together a funding committee that will serve as an ad hoc committee of the Historical Commission.

Burbidge said she and Lacey Museum Curator Erin Quinn Valcho would ask Lacey’s Assistant City Manager Shannon Kelley-Fong to join the committee if she is available.

“She's pretty in tuned with some of the federal funding opportunities that come across her desk and she also is the liaison for our legislative context on the national level and state level,” said Burbidge.

Halvorson’s appointment

Halvorson’s appointment was made official during the Lacey City Council’s first meeting for the month last June 1.

Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder said it was the “easiest decision” he has ever had to make for an appointment.

“We really appreciate you giving back to the City of Lacey,” Ryder said to Halvorson during the public meeting.

According to the Lacey website, Halvorson served as a council member from 1991 to 1999, where he was the city mayor from 1993 to 1996.

Lacey’s Historical Commission helps in raising awareness of the city’s history and the preservation of its historic resources.