As city officials prepare to select a new Washington city administrator, the five people chosen as candidates were invited to an open house for a meet and greet.  Those in the running include two Iowa residents and three from Illinois.

The five candidates interviewing for the position are Deborah Nier of Marengo, Illinois; Danny Gifford of West Burlington, Iowa; Brian Weuve of Iowa Falls, Iowa; Brett Hinson of Garner, Iowa; and James Bowden of Channahon, Illinois.

The Washington City Council will conduct interviews today in a closed session.  Last night’s event took place at the Washington Public Library.

City Clerk Illa Earnest says if the council finds an ideal candidate, the next step would be to begin negotiations with them.  However, she says if the council does not have a definite answer by the end of today’s interviews, discussion will be taken to Wednesday’s city council meeting.