Ketchikan City Council member Mark Flora informed the city that the council’s regular meeting on Feb. 20 would be his last.
In a resignation letter sent to the city Feb. 7, Flora wrote that it had been a privilege serving for more than eight years, and thanked his fellow council members and staff. But he said that “personal and family priorities” no longer allow him to devote the time the position requires. He said the community deserves to have someone who can invest the many hours required to be an effective council member.
“The work continues,” Flora said. “Just with a new participant who will bring fresh energy and ideas to the table.”
Flora was first appointed to the council in 2016, and then elected in 2017, 2020 and 2022. According to city staff, after the council accepts his resignation at Thursday’s meeting, they can choose to either advertise for applicants to fill the remainder of the term, or leave the seat vacant until the next municipal election in October.
Also on Thursday night’s agenda is a vote to levy a new sales tax on cruise ship passengers, similar to a measure being considered by the Borough Assembly. The council is also scheduled to consider a lease agreement with the American Legion Post 3 for a city-owned building on Park Avenue, formerly occupied by First City Homeless Services.
