FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 26, 2013

MEDIA CONTACTS
Julie Stoltman, Office of Council Member Anders Ibsen, jstoltman@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5164

Ibsen Selected to Attend Officer Candidate School for U.S. Marine Corps Reserves

Tacoma, Wash. -- Council Member Anders Ibsen has been selected to become an Officer Candidate in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. Once commissioned as a reservist Second Lieutenant in the Marines, Ibsen will continue on as a City Council Member for District 1, while also drilling with his Marine Corps unit one weekend per month. 

“I have the utmost respect for our service members and am proud of Tacoma’s military heritage,” said Ibsen. “As both a reservist and an elected official, I feel I will be twice as effective advocating for our community and for District 1.”

Council Member Robert Thoms, a Commander in the U.S. Navy reserves, said of his colleague’s decision, “I support Anders in his decision to serve, and I’m confident it will be a great opportunity for growth and leadership.”

Ibsen will take a leave of absence from his elected post to undergo training from January 2014 until approximately the end of 2014. He has opted not to receive any City of Tacoma pay or benefits during that time period. At the conclusion of training, Ibsen plans to return to Tacoma and resume the rest of his term. 

“It is a privilege representing District 1 on the City Council, and I aspire to do everything I can to make this city an even better place to live,” said Ibsen.

State law allows for elected officials to take extended leaves for military service.  The City Council may consider an appointment on Dec. 17, as an interim replacement for the District 1 seat during Ibsen’s absence.