Chelan Councilmember Ericks resigns, citing health issues

Chelan City councilman Mark Ericks. Photo Courtesy: All Things Lake Chelan.

Two-term Chelan City Councilman Mark Ericks has resigned.

Ericks tendered a letter of resignation to Mayor Erin McCardle on Tuesday.

"It is with deep regret that I find it necessary to resign from my position as a duly elected member of Chelan City Council," the mayor shared from Ericks' letter. "I have had significant health issues for some time. Even though I have stayed engaged in issues and participated in meetings via Zoom, I know that Zoom is no replacement for active, full participation that the position requires. Our constituents and staff deserve this full commitment."

The mayor said that applications from citizens interested in fulfilling Ericks' term are now being accepted at city hall.

The city council will interview candidates at their May 12 meeting, where a successor may be selected.

Ericks, when appointed to the Council in Oct. 2022 recalled that his entire adult life was spent in government service. “I’m a firm believer in the value of citizen participation in government,” he told the blog All Things Lake Chelan.

Ericks career carried him through as a police officer and detective at the city of Bellevue, Police Chief in Bothell and after retirement from law enforcement, became Bothell’s assistant city manager and administrative services director. He was elected as State Representative for the 1st Legislative District where he served three terms. He was also appointed as a U.S. Marshall for the Western District of Washington.