New Fall River City Councilor sworn in to replace Trott Lee

Fall River has a new city councilor.

Trott Lee announced earlier this week that he will no longer be serving on the City Council.

“I sent my letter of resignation to the city council; thank you to everyone who put their trust in me on Election Day over the years. Going to put all my energy into my family, especially my grandfather.”

Lee’s mother, who took care of his grandfather, passed away last week.

The resignation opened the door for former City Councilor Christopher Peckham to return to the Council as he placed 10th in last year’s election. However, he stated Thursday morning that he is not able to serve at this time.

Laura-Jean Washington, who is currently on the Sewer Commission and is an addiction/substance abuse counselor at Steppingstone, was sworn in Thursday to replace Lee as she finished in 11th place in last year’s election.

According to Council President Pam Laliberte-Lebeau, Washington will replace Lee in his committee and liaison assignments including the Finance, Public Safety, and Ordinances/Legislation Committees and a Veterans and Neighborhood liaison.

“The City Council continues to send our sympathies to former Councilor Lee for his loss and wishes him the best in his future endeavors. At this time, the City Council also extends a warm welcome to Laura-Jean Washington and congratulate her on her new role.”

Peckham and Washington did not respond to a request for comment.