By Teresa Wippel, My Edmonds News

A day after he was sworn in as Edmonds’ new mayor, Dave Earling announced Wednesday that he has terminated the employment of ex-Mayor Mike Cooper’s executive assistant (and Lywnnood City Councilwoman), Kim Cole, who had been on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into a claim she made in regards to a hostile work environment.

“Mayor Earling has decided to select a new person to serve as his executive assistant,” said the news release from the Mayor’s office issued Wednesday morning.  City code and personnel policies state that the position of the Mayor’s executive assistant “serves at the pleasure of the Mayor,” and as a result Earling has the authority to terminate Cole and hire his own executive assistant, the  release noted.

“Mayor Earling would like to thank Kim Cole for her prior services and wishes her the best,” the news release said.

Earling said he will conduct a competitive process to fill the position, and anyone meeting the necessary job qualifications is eligible to apply between now and Dec. 7.  More details can be found on the city website at www.edmondswa.gov.