City Council Vacancy Appointment Process Continues, Interviews February 27

The process to appoint a qualified person to vacant Position 1 on Ridgefield City Council has been underway. On February 20, three candidates participated in a public forum answering questions from residents with their ideas and opinions about what they would do if appointed to a City Council position.

Anyone who was unable to attend the public forum is invited to listen on Spotify or watch on YouTube. Observations about the candidates may be submitted to City Council by emailing City.Clerk@ridgefieldwa.us.

The next step in the process is candidate interviews with City Council during a public study session. During the regular session, Mayor Cole will open a period for Public Comment, at which time residents are invited to come forward and share their opinions on the candidates with Council. After Public Comment, Council will vote and appoint a new Council member. The new Council member will be sworn in and attend the regularly scheduled Council meeting. 

APPOINTMENT PROCESS

The timeline for filling the Council vacancy is as follows:

• January 29, 2025: Applications were due to City Clerk by 4:30 PM. The City received six applications. 
• January 30-February 7, 2025: Council reviewed applications and selected four candidates to move forward in the process. One of those four withdrew from consideration.
• January 30-February 20, 2025: Residents suggested interview questions to be used during the Public Forum.
• February 20, 2025:Town Hall Public Forum – Facilitated interview to introduce candidates to Ridgefield residents and give them the opportunity to express their ideas and opinions about what they would do if appointed to a City Council position. Residents attended in person and online.
  • Listen to (Spotify) or Watch (YouTube) the Candidate Public Forum. Observations about the candidates may be submitted to City Council by emailing City.Clerk@ridgefieldwa.us
• February 27, 2025: 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. Residents are invited to observe the interviews and, if desired, provide public comment regarding the candidates prior to appointment.