Lafayette City Council appoints longtime community volunteer to vacant seat

The Lafayette City Council appointed Stella Wotherspoon to the council seat left vacant by Gina Dawson’s resignation. Wotherspoon was selected from a pool of five candidates during a special meeting on July 15 and will serve until the next municipal election in November 2026. Her commitment to community service is reflected in her roles on the Transportation and Circulation Commission and the General Plan Advisory Committee. Mayor Susan Candell emphasized Wotherspoon's qualifications and readiness to address pressing city issues. With a master’s degree in geography and geospatial information systems, Wotherspoon has a diverse professional background in education and public sector analysis.

She has also co-chaired local campaigns and served on school boards, demonstrating her civic engagement. Her appointment signals a continuity of experienced leadership in Lafayette’s governance. Wotherspoon’s immediate swearing-in allows her to begin her contributions without delay.