By Katie Teachout
The Journal 

New mayor to be appointed

Three candidates have their hats in the race

 

Last updated 3/11/2021 at 8:35am



RITZVILLE – Three residents are interested in taking over Mayor Gary Cook's unfinished term when his resignation becomes effective March 31.

The deadline to submit letters of interest to the city was Feb. 25.

The candidates will be interviewed by city council members at their Mar. 16 meeting. The interviews have to be done in public, but council scheduled an executive session for the same meeting, where they can discuss the decision in private. They will then return to the open public meeting before any action is taken. The person chosen will be appointed at the April 6 city council meeting, and then be in position as mayor until the end of the calendar year. An election will be held in November for the same or a new mayor to begin January 1.

Councilwoman Debbie Chapman submitted her letter to the city Dec. 14. She said she's lived in Ritzville 16 years and has actively participated in local government and community affairs. She said she's participated in Ritzville city government for over 10 years on the Historic/Planning/Airport committee and city council.


"My background is in education and social service, and I currently work with families and stakeholders with disabilities on a state, federal and local level," Chapman wrote. "I am familiar with how government works and working with a diverse population."

Former Mayor Linda Kadlec submitted a letter of interest Feb. 28 of 2020, after Mayor Cook first announced a pending resignation. Kadlec said she served 15 years on the city council under numerous mayors, and eight years as mayor.

"During those years, we worked on and completed many projects and even went to court and won a settlement regarding our sewer lagoon project," Kadlec wrote. "I have received numerous requests to seek this appointment. Ritzville has always been my number one priority. I seek only the best for this community."

Business owner Aimee Guiles sent a letter to the city Feb. 25. She said as a current small business owner and an owner of historic properties in downtown Ritzville, she is passionate and active in the community.

She said along with owning a small business in Ritzville for six years, she holds several degrees, including an undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University and a doctorate degree in law from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.

"I support and agree with the track and planning the city is on currently," Guiles wrote. "I would love the opportunity to assist in implementing the goals and plans for our community."

Councilman and Mayor Pro Tempore Dennis Chamberlain expressed interest in the position with a written letter, but later decided to withdraw his application.

"We've got three really good candidates, and I am really happy with my position as it is now," Chamberlain said Friday, March 5. He submitted a letter expressing his change of heart to the city March 8.

Author Bio

Katie Teachout, Editor

Katie Teachout is the editor of The Ritzville Adams County Journal. Previously, she worked as a reporter at The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle, the Oroville Gazette-Tribune, Northern Kittitas County Tribune and the Methow Valley News. She is a graduate of Western Washington University.

 

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