Real estate developer closes deal, wins vacant Roseburg City Council seat

NICHOLAS JOHNSON/The News-Review City recorder Sheila Cox swears in real estate developer Lew Marks as the newest member of the Roseburg City Council respresenting Ward 4, downtown Roseburg, Monday evening following candidate interviews prior to a regularly scheduled council meeting.

Expand Photo

NICHOLAS JOHNSON/The News-Review Mike Baker speaks to councilors Monday during his city council candidate interview for the Ward 4 seat. Many councilors said their decisions were primarily between Baker and Marks.

Expand Photo

NICHOLAS JOHNSON/The News-Review Josh Tibbetts speaks to councilors Monday during his city council candidate interview for the Ward 4 seat. Many councilors said their decisions were primarily between Baker and Marks.

Expand Photo

NICHOLAS JOHNSON/The News-Review Ron Looman speaks to councilors Monday during his city council candidate interview for the Ward 4 seat. "I'm pretty nervous," he said during his interview. Many councilors said their decisions were primarily between Baker and Marks.

Expand Photo

NICHOLAS JOHNSON/The News-Review Real estate developer Lew Marks speaks to councilors Monday during his city council candidate interview for the Ward 4 seat. Many councilors said their decisions were primarily between Baker and Marks.

Expand Photo

NICHOLAS JOHNSON/The News-Review Councilor Steve Kaser of Ward 4 listens as Ron Looman speaks to councilors Monday during city council candidate interviews for the second Ward 4 seat vacated by Melissa Smith. Many councilors said their decisions were primarily between Baker and Marks.

Expand Photo

NICHOLAS JOHNSON/The News-Review Mayor Larry Rich listens as Mike Baker speaks to councilors Monday during his city council candidate interview for an open Ward 4 seat. Many councilors said their decisions were primarily between Baker and Marks.

Expand Photo

NICHOLAS JOHNSON/The News-Review Mike Baker, right, speaks to councilors Monday during his city council candidate interview for an open Ward 4 seat. Many councilors said their decisions were primarily between Baker and Marks.

Expand Photo

NICHOLAS JOHNSON/The News-Review Lew Marks sits with his wife as he and other councilors listen as the councilors' discussion begins to indicate Marks is the preferred candidate Monday following candidate interviews for an open Ward 4 seat. Many councilors said their decisions were primarily between Baker and Marks.

Real estate developer Lew Marks was picked over three other candidates for a vacant seat and sworn in Monday as the newest Roseburg city councilor. After interviewing the contenders, most councilors said they were torn between Marks and a former councilor, Mike Baker. Baker held the Ward 4 seat for eight years before giving it up last year to make an unsuccessful run for mayor. Councilors said they favored Marks for his business experience and ability to work with people. Marks owned the now-closed Roseburg Athletic Club for 17 years and owns commercial and rental properties. His appointment filled a …