Mayor looks to fill vacant council seat

The Ritzville City Council needs a new member to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of Ben Friederichs late last year. Friedericks stepped off recently for personal reasons.

Mayor Linda Kadlec said Monday that she is looking for letters of interest from residents who live within Ward 5 of the Ritzville City Limits. Any registered voter who lives within Ward 5 is eligible for consideration to serve on the city council.

Adams County Elections Officer Heidi Hunt said the selected candidate will need to agree to file and run in the upcoming general election as they are filing an unexpired term.

Kadlec requests that interested parties submit a letter explaining why they would like to serve and any qualifications they possess. Letters should be delivered to city hall at 216 E. Main Avenue no later than Friday, Feb. 8.

Kadlec said she will review the letters and likely contact those who expressed an interest. The mayor will then need to make a recommendation for appointment to the full city council. The council will vote to approve the appointment.

The Ward 5 boundary is: Take Third Avenue (partially vacated) (south side of Third Avenue) northeast from Weber Avenue approximately nine blocks to Adams Street. Take Adams Street (west side of Adams Street) southeast eight blocks to Eleventh Avenue. Take Eleventh Avenue (south side of Eleventh Avenue) northeast two blocks to Division Street. Follow Division Street (west side of Division Street) southeast to the city limits. Follow the city limits south until you reach Third Avenue (vacated) off Weber Avenue (north side of Weber Avenue).