Lacey Deputy Mayor Miller elected as new chair of Joint Animal Services Commission

The Joint Animal Services Commission (JASCOM) has elected Lacey Deputy Mayor Malcolm Miller as its new chair during the commission's meeting on Monday, Feb. 10. 

Miller will lead the jurisdictions in sharing resources and providing servicse to the community and its pets. 

“I'll nominate myself for chair," stated Miller when the floor was opened for nominations.  

After a brief speech from Commissioner Emily Clouse, who had also nominated herself, the commission proceeded to a vote. 

"I'm happy to serve as chair of this body ... I'm just grateful to be on this commission. JASCOM is one of the top choices I made when I was elected as commissioner,” Clouse said. 

The Joint Animal Services Commission (JASCOM) has elected Lacey Deputy Mayor Malcolm Miller as its new Chair during the commission's meeting on February 10, 2025.

JOLT staff photo via YouTube

“I feel like I've been an effective liaison in this role, even during the last six months of last year, when I had kind of had to step back a little bit, but still maintain my presence here and still maintain that role as liaison between JASCOM and the county commission,” she added. 

Miller received four votes, while three members voted for Clouse. Miller then proceeded to nominate Clouse for vice chair; the nomination was seconded, and Clouse was unanimously elected as the vice chair. 

JASCOM oversees the operations and strategic direction of the joint animal services, which provides animal control, sheltering and welfare services to Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and unincorporated Thurston County.