Ridgefield City Councilmember Rob Aichele resigned Position 5 on City Council effective February 9, 2024. Aichele will continue to be active in the Ridgefield Community.
Aichele moved to Ridgefield in 2015 and quickly became an active member of the Ridgefield Lion’s Club. In 2019, he was appointed to the City’s Planning Commission. In November 2019 he was elected to City Council, and re-elected in November 2023. During his time on Council, Aichele’s focus was on helping enhance public safety as a Councilor and Neighbors on Watch volunteer, expanding trail and sidewalk connectivity, and keeping downtown vibrant.
State law provides that City Council shall appoint a qualified person to fill the vacant position within 90 days. The term for Position 5 will expire in 2027, however, the appointee will have to stand for election in November 2025 to retain the seat through 2027.
The timeline for filling the Council vacancy is as follows:
- Friday, March 8, 2024: Applications due to City Clerk by Noon.
- March 8 – March 15, 2024: Council will review applications to determine candidates who will move forward in the process.
- February 13 – March 19, 2024: Residents may submit questions online at RidgefieldRoundtable.org to be considered for use during the public forum or the City Council interview.
- *Week of March 25: A public forum will be scheduled where Council candidates will answer questions submitted online.
- *Thursday, April 11, 2024: During a public study session, City Council will interview candidates. During the regular session, Council will appoint a new Councilmember. The New Councilmember will be sworn in and attend the regularly scheduled Council meeting.
*These dates have been adjusted since original release to make sure that the opportunity is accessible and inclusive for anyone who is interested and qualified.
To be considered, your application packet must be completed and received by the City Clerk either online or at Ridgefield City Hall, 230 Pioneer St, Ridgefield, WA 98642 no later than Friday, March 8 at Noon. Application packets received after Noon will not be considered. Additional written information after this date will not be considered, unless requested by the City Council.
Online Application for City Council
Submit a Question for City Council Appointment Candidates
City Council Duties and Compensation (PDF)
FAQ
Why is there a Vacancy on Ridgefield City Council?
Rob Aichele resigned Position 5 on City Council, resulting in a vacant position. State law provides that “the remaining members of the governing body shall appoint a qualified person to fill the vacant position.” RCW 42.12.070(1).
Qualifications for City Council
Qualified candidates must:
What is the process for Interviews and Appointment?
At the regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, March 28, 2024 selected candidates will be interviewed according to the following process:
Interviews:
- Council will select candidates to interview at a regularly scheduled public meeting
- Candidates not being interviewed will be asked to leave the room until it is their time to interview
- The applicant interview order will be random
- Candidate interview time limits will be determined based on the time available and the number of candidates
Council Discussion Following Interviews
- Council will move into executive session to discuss the qualifications of the candidates.
- After executive session Council may ask a select number of remaining candidates to make a brief statement prior to balloting
Appointment
Council will select the new council member using a two-round balloting process. The New Councilmember will be sworn in and attend the regularly scheduled Council meeting.
How long will the Council Appointee hold office?
The term for Position 5 will expire in 2027, however, the appointee will have to stand for election in November 2025 to retain the seat through 2027.