The appointee will fill Position 2 until the election is certified, Nov. 28

Ridgefield City Council Member Rachel Coker resigned Position 2 on City Council effective April 17, 2023. Coker will continue to be active in the Ridgefield community. You may find her participating in community events, volunteering for the Ridgefield Lions Club, continuing an active role in the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, visiting the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge or sitting at Eagle’s Nest Lookout Park enjoying a light spring rain and the sound of singing birds.

Councilor Coker moved to Ridgefield in search of a better education and community for her family. She was appointed to the Parks Advisory Board in 2019 and brought her background in business and her experience in various communities to the City Council when she was appointed in 2021. While on Council she has been an advocate for the protection of our natural spaces and resources, the sustainability of our community in the ways it grows and operates, and the continued robust education of Ridgefield youth.

When informed of the resignation, Mayor Jennifer Lindsay said: “I want to thank Rachel for her contributions to the Council and the Ridgefield community. She has always asked thoughtful and analytical questions about policies and projects, and brought an important voice to Council decisions. She will be missed.”

State law provides that City Council “shall appoint a qualified person to fill the vacant position.” Since Position 2 is scheduled to be voted on by Ridgefield residents during the November 7, 2023 election, the appointee will fill Position 2 until the election is certified, November 28, 2023.

The timeline for filling the Council vacancy is as follows:

• May 5, 2023: Applications due to City Clerk by 12:00PM (noon)
• May 6-8, 2023: Council will review applications to determine candidates who will move forward in the process.
• April 28-May 11, 2023: Residents may submit questions online at RidgefieldRoundtable.org for Council members to consider asking candidates during the interview.
• May 11, 2023: At its regularly scheduled meeting, City Council will interview candidates and appoint a new Councilmember. The New Councilmember will be sworn in and attend the regularly scheduled Council meeting.

To be considered, your application packet must be completed and received by the City Clerk either online or at Ridgefield City Hall, 230 Pioneer Street, Ridgefield, WA 98642 no later than May 5 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.

Information provided by city of Ridgefield.