Wenatchee City Council, Staff Bid Fond Farewell to Bailey, Esparza

It was a bittersweet ending to Thursday night’s Wenatchee City Council meeting as those in attendance said goodbye to former members Jim Bailey and Ruth Esparza.

Both Bailey and Esparza decided not to run for re-election earlier this year.

Esparza, who represented Wenatchee’s District 3, ends a six year run on the council. She owns her own solo law practice, Esparza Law, PLLC, which she started in 2018.

"I am privileged and honor to have been able to serve my community for the last six years." said Esparza, "It was just amazing and I will always be grateful to the community for having voted for me and having had the confidence in me that I could do the job."

Esparza will be replaced by The Thai Restaurant and Atlas Fare owner Top Rojanasthien starting next year.

For former District 2 representative Bailey, his decision to move on ends a 14-year run on the council. Bailey previously worked as a teacher at Wenatchee High School for 38 years, stepping down from the position in 2007.

"Where the city was 14 years ago and where we are today has been just an absolute amazing journey." explained Bailey, "The community really needs to know that they have an exceptional group of folks that are looking after their interests."

Bailey will cede his seat to former council member and colleague Mike Poirier.