Chelan to appoint new councilmember following public interviews

CHELAN — Six candidates have applied to fill Chelan City Council Position #5, with interviews scheduled during the City Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, May 12.

Council members are expected to appoint a replacement following the interviews, which are scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m. at Chelan City Hall. The selected candidate is expected to join the council at the dais that same evening, stepping directly into the role following the appointment.

The vacancy was created following the resignation of Councilmember Mark Ericks. The selected candidate will serve through the certification of the next municipal election in November 2027.

Community members are encouraged to attend the meeting and hear directly from the applicants, who bring backgrounds ranging from business ownership and public service to nonprofit leadership, agriculture and aviation.

Among the applicants is Pamela Gean Van Gerpen, who spent more than 30 years working for Boeing and currently serves as treasurer for the Chelan Hills Maintenance Association Board. Her experience includes financial oversight, governance and long-term planning.

Todd Higley, owner of Skydive Chelan and Airsports Chelan, also applied for the position. Higley serves on the Chelan City Parks Board and has more than three decades of business and risk management experience.

Brant Jones, an executive chef with experience operating a catering business and a downtown Chelan restaurant, is also seeking the appointment. According to the city, Jones has become increasingly interested in local government and community involvement.

Ben Laughlin brings a long history of volunteer and nonprofit work in the Chelan Valley, including service with the Chelan Rec Association, volunteer firefighting and charitable efforts including Riverwalk Closet and Fresh Winds Restoration.

Cesar Rivera-Vargas previously served two terms as a trustee for Carpenters Local 816, where he worked in executive board leadership, financial oversight and member representation. The city said he has also completed leadership training through the Carpenters Union.

The final applicant, Lars Strandberg, is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former helicopter pilot who has lived in Chelan since 2008. He and his wife operate Culinary Apple, and he has participated in downtown revitalization and local business leadership efforts.

The May 12 meeting is expected to offer residents an opportunity to hear the candidates’ perspectives before the council selects its newest member.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media