Lincoln City Appoints New Councilor And Pro-Tem City Manager

At the October 13th Lincoln City council meeting, the council appointed Nicole Peterson as a new city councilor and approved Daniel Hunter as city manager pro tem. Following an open application period, candidates Nicole Peterson and Tricia Cannon presented their backgrounds and motivations before the council. Peterson, a long-time Lincoln City resident actively involved in local charities and the business community, emphasized her commitment to volunteerism and listening to the needs of diverse residents.

Cannon, with an academic background in English and a decade of education and content development experience, spoke about serving the community with empathy and dedication.

After thoughtful questions from council members regarding their values and approach to balancing priorities, the council voted. Peterson received four votes to Cannon's two, and was promptly sworn in as the newest member of the city council.

Peterson was appointed to the vacant Ward 1 City Council position. She is filling the seat of former Councilor Parsons who resigned back in July. Councilor Petersen’s term will end on December 31, 2026. Petersen, who has lived in Lincoln City for 9 years, owns two local businesses, Lincoln City Gifts and Lincoln City Ceramics. She is currently the President of the Kiwanis Club and Vice-President of the Chamber of Commerce Board. Ms. Petersen said that the reasons she wants to join the council are “because she cares about the people of Lincoln City and wants to be involved in making decisions that can help make the community continue to thrive.” 

In the same meeting, the council finalized an employment agreement with Daniel Hunter as city manager pro tem. The contract, effective for up to six months with a salary of $150,000, followed council-approved guidelines and omitted relocation assistance and telework. Mr. Hunter started his position October 22, 2025. Hunter comes in to help bridge the gap and lead the City until the search for a permanent City Manager concludes.

Hunter arrives in Lincoln City with 11 years of local government experience in Oregon. He comes from the City of The Dalles, where he was hired as an Administrative Fellow. He was promoted twice, while with The Dalles, up to the Human Resource Director. Hunter grew up in Beaver Creek, Oregon and attended high school in Oregon City. After high school, he moved to Montana to work in construction, before joining the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Fairchild AFB, near Spokane, Washington for his entire enlistment.

Following his military service, he moved back to Oregon to attend Linfield College where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. From there, Hunter returned to Montana to work for the Montana Department of Transportation. While there he completed a Masters degree in Public Administration, and after graduation he was hired by the City of The Dalles. “I am pleased that Daniel Hunter has accepted the pro tem manager position,” Mayor Susan Wahlke said, “and look forward to working with him soon.”