Jason McKinney is the newest – and fifth – member of the Colfax City Council. At a special meeting of the council held Dec. 19, McKinney was appointed to fill the vacancy created when Josh Alpine resigned after winning the District 5 seat on the Placer County Water Agency at the Nov. 6 election. McKinney will serve the two-year balance of the term, which expires after the November 2014 election.

The appointment was made on the recommendation of an ad hoc committee consisting of vice mayor Tony Hesch and Kim Douglass, who with Tom Parnham was elected to the council at the November election. Donna Barkle began a one-year term as mayor on Dec. 12.

“After extensive review of the six candidates, it became our consensus opinion that the best candidate was Jason McKinney,” Hesch said. “His dynamic enthusiasm – not only for the city but the city’s future and well being – really stood out.”

The other applicants to fill the council vacancy were Steve Harvey, who ran for re-election at the Nov. 6 election but lost to Parnham by one vote, as well as former councilwoman Sharon Gieras, Chuck Burke, Harold “Hal” Dains, and Alexander K. Turner Jr.

McKinney said he is excited to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Colfax. “I will be doing my best to address the citizens’ concerns and find fruitful and responsible ways to move the city forward,” he said.

A five-year Colfax resident, McKinney owns the Colfax Max restaurant. In his application letter, McKinney said, “I believe both residing in and operating a business in the city gives me useful perspective that I can bring” to the council.

McKinney has served on the city’s Planning and Economic Development commissions. He is also a member of the Colfax Lions Club service organization. He served as Scoutmaster of Colfax Troop for two-and-half years and is currently Assistant Scoutmaster for Colfax Troop 286.

He and his wife have a son who will turn 12 this year and a 3-year-old daughter.