White male chosen for council, sparks diversity debate
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The Lynnwood City Council found itself in another contentious situation after appointing Robert Leutwyler to fill a vacant council seat, with one councilwoman expressing disappointment over the selection of another white male candidate.
The appointment follows a recent controversy where the council initially selected Jessica Ann Roberts, a transgender individual, who withdrew from consideration after the Lynnwood Times revealed Roberts’ involvement with OnlyFans and alleged connection to a Reddit account posting about disturbing sexual fetishes.
Following Roberts’ withdrawal, the council turned to previous candidates, ultimately selecting Leutwyler, who had been the runner-up in the initial selection process. However, Councilwoman Derica Escamilla, the sole female member, voiced strong objections during the proceedings.
“Our city is made up of people from all backgrounds, estimated at 50% white with over half female, 19% Asian, 14% Hispanic or Latino, and 8% black or African American, 11.3% with two or more races, 5.7% other races, and less than 1% Native American, Pacific Islander, or native Hawaiian,” Escamilla scolded. “Based on these demographics, it is crucial that our governing bodies reflect that diversity so that all voices are heard.”
🚨BREAKING: Tonight, the Lynnwood City Council voted 5 yeas and 1 abstention to approve Army combat veteran Robert Leutwyler to fill the Position 5 vacancy left after the resignation of Julieta Altamirano-Crosby on January 6, 2025. He will be sworn in on Monday, March 24, 2025,… pic.twitter.com/BxhufmdmA2
— Lynnwood Times (@LynnwoodTimes) March 20, 2025
While abstaining from the vote, Escamilla criticized the selection process, suggesting it failed to encourage participation from minority communities. “This decision is not a reflection of the individual seeking appointment but rather deep disappointment in the process and lack of representation that truly reflects our diverse community,” Escamilla reiterated.
Other council members expressed similar reservations about the process. Vice President Josh Binda, who previously faced criticism for sharing provocative photos, acknowledged his concerns but emphasized moving forward with city business. Council member George Hurst, while praising Leutwyler as “a good, viable candidate,” also expressed frustration with the lengthy process.
Leutwyler, an Army veteran and Amazon program manager, has been widely regarded as a sensible choice. Local journalist Jonathan Choe, who extensively covered the Roberts controversy, described Leutwyler as the “common sense” option.
Ironically, while Escamilla objected to appointing another white male, the previously selected Roberts also appeared to be white and male, with the only distinction being Roberts’ gender identity, which was notably emphasized during the February council interview through the display of trans-colored nail polish.
The City of Lynnwood has finally settled on filling its lone vacant spot on its council by appointing Robert Leutwyler on Wednesday evening with a 5-0 vote.https://t.co/omDtIMyfOk
— MyNorthwest (@Mynorthwest) March 21, 2025
According to the council’s Wednesday press release:
“This evening, the City Council appointed Robert Leutwyler to the Lynnwood City Council. Position No.5 was vacated in January of this year due to the resignation of Council Member Julieta Altamirano-Crosby.
During the March 24, 2025 Business Meeting, he will take his Oath of Office and be seated immediately.
The City will provide a formal announcement which will include a biography and a quote from the Council Member early next week.”
Leutwyler is set to be sworn in on Monday, bringing this tumultuous appointment process to a close.
