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Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com

Three newcomers running for Sultan council seat

By Yoshiaki Nohara, Herald Writer

SULTAN - Three candidates running for a seat on the Sultan City Council in the all-mail primary election say that they can help the city survive financial difficulties and thrive in the future.

Two of the candidates will advance to the general election.

Ballots are due Aug. 21. None of the candidates, Richard Hill, Sarah Davenport-Smith and Brady Boucher, have held an elected public office.

The city needs a new voice, said Hill, 37.

The Army veteran has lived in town for about 30 years. Hill, who works at a local restaurant, said he is familiar with people's concerns.

"I take their concerns into consideration," said Hill, who has unsuccessfully run for City Council before.

He is a good listener and wants to reach out to youth in town, Hill said.

"I don't think youth gets involved a lot," he said.

Davenport-Smith, 27, works for the state Department of Ecology as a municipal storm water specialist. She also serves on Sultan's planning board. Davenport-Smith said she knows how a city operates; she hopes to help Sultan function more efficiently.

"I want to focus on our financial situation," she said. "I also want to focus on youth and youth safety," she said.

She wants to listen to people in town to set the city's agenda, Davenport-Smith said.

"I'm here to work for Sultan," she said. "That's what I want to do."

Sultan has struggled to balance its budget over the last several years.

Crime in town has increased over that time, Boucher, 33, said.

"These two issues require people to step up and get involved for the better good of all who call Sultan home," said Boucher, a cement mixer driver.

Boucher said he wants to help the city increase its tax base. He has lived in Sultan his entire life.

"We need to develop an aggressive marketing plan to entice business investment dollars," he said.

Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.