The Pacific City Council voted Monday to hire Lance Newkirk as the City’s public works manager, filling the final department head vacancy left from the controversial tenure of recalled Mayor Cy Sun.

Newkirk and newly-hired Community Development Director Jack Dodge replace Jay Bennett, who held both positions before resigning soon after Sun assumed office.

Newkirk, for whom the City Council voted unanimously to fill the position, previously served in public works director positions for the cities of Shoreline and Bainbridge Island.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge to the City,” said Mayor Leanne Guier. “Between those two and the staff, I feel like we just took the City to a whole new level. I feel like I have the dream team.”

Newkirk said he is eager to jump right in.

“I’ve talked to Guier about all the projects in place, and with my background of 30 years in public infrastructure, I think I’m in a position to help out,” Newkirk said.

In addition to managing the newly-started Stewart Road Project, Newkirk will oversee a possible remodel of Pacific’s aging City Hall and transportation improvements.

“It’s coming down the road, pardon the pun,” he said.

Newkirk said he is familiar with the damage and turmoil caused by Sun’s tenure.

“I don’t think the past is a predictor of the future,” he said. “I feel like the City is heading in the right direction.”