MARYSVILLE – Jon Walker wants to lead a team, but also be part of a team.

That is why he is glad to be the new city attorney for Marysville.

As city attorney, he gets to lead the new legal department. Previously, for 24 years, the city had contracted out to Grant Weed to be its city attorney.

But what Walker really appreciated during the interview process was how well the City Council, mayor, city department heads and staff all work together.

“The city works together as a team,” he said.

Walker, 52, was a deputy city attorney for Tacoma. He advised South Sound 911, the Tacoma Police Department and city officials. He previously was a deputy prosecuting attorney for Kitsap County, where he advised county officials and departments on civil matters and prosecuted felony crimes.

Walker’s experience includes municipal law issues including personnel, labor, contracts, public records, open public meetings, constitutional law, nuisance, licensing, animal control, asset forfeitures, criminal law and civil litigation. He has lectured on jury selection, nuisance law, ethics, Indian law and marijuana.

Walker received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Portland State University. He received his J.D. with honors in 1996 from Georgetown University Law Center.

When he is not working, Walker likes to ski every weekend with his family at Whistler, B.C. In the summer they like to be outdoors biking, hiking and swimming.

Walker said he is excited about a new challenge.

“It seems like a lot is going on,” he said, with houses buing built and people moving in.

Walker said he really likes working in municiple government.

“It is closest to the communities and the people it serves,” he said, compared with state and federal government. “When you make changes it directly affects the people, neighborhoods and businesses where you live.”

Walker sees his goal is to fit in with the culture, minimize the city’s risks and help it pursue its goals.