ARLINGTON — Austin B. DeFreece III had always been interested in taking part in his local government, but personal and professional commitments had always precluded that participation. That is, until the passing of Arlington City Council member Dick Butner left his seat vacant.
Serving out the remainder of Butner’s term allows DeFreece to get involved in the city’s governance without making a long-term commitment. Indeed, he’s not even sure that he’ll run after he reaches the end of his appointed term.
But in the meantime, DeFreece has pledged to his fellow citizens that he’ll serve their interests with an open mind and an absence of an agenda.
“With my business and legal background, I think I bring good insights to help out with budgetary and litigation issues, as well as zoning,” said DeFreece, who serves as corporate counsel for HTC in Bellevue. “I believe good government requires striking a balance of competing opinions and needs. We have to make complex decisions that we can all be at peace with.”
Beyond that, DeFreece has no specific plans for his time in office, beyond joining the rest of the council in considering the issues that come before them. He plans on carrying out the rest of his term “responsibly and respectfully,” which he’s thankful to be able to do.
“My wife is an attorney in Everett, so this town has a good proximity to both our places of work,” DeFreece said. “We have two little boys, so this is a great community for them in the long term. I’m really just here to help.”
