COUPEVILLE — Island County’s primary election ballot includes a Port of Coupeville race, two City Council races in Langley, and the Position 1 City Council seat in Oak Harbor.
Running in Oak Harbor are Paul Brewer, Tara Hizon, Mark Wiggins and Martha Yount.
Brewer is a former city cou
ncilman; Hizon is a business owner and volunteer; Wiggins is a former planning commissioner; and Yount is a retired business owner who regularly attends council meetings. Jim Palmer, who currently holds the position, decided not to run.
Oak Harbor City Council members earn $596 a month and receive a medical benefits package.
In Langley, the Position 3 seat on the City Council is being sought by Robin Adams, Jim Sundberg and Kathleen Waters. Councilwoman Fran Abel is not running.
The City Council Position 4 seat being vacated by Councilman Bob Waterman has attracted R. Bruce Allen, Thomas E. Gill and Jonathon Moses to the race.
Laura Blankenship and Mike Diamanti of Coupeville and Richard Turner of Greenbank are vying for the open seat on the Coupeville Port Commission.
Oak Harbor City Council Position 1
Tara J. Hizon (Wentland)
Age: 32
Occupation: Owner of Lightworks Communications; residential real estate appraiser; Whidbey Playhouse volunteer
Website: http://tarahizon.wordpress.com/category/campaign-updates
Education: Oak Harbor High School; Skagit Valley College
Top priorities: Successful completion of the Pioneer Way construction project and the economic revitalization of downtown. New wastewater treatment plant construction and beautification of Windjammer Park. Establishing a community center for Oak Harbor’s youth.
In her own words: “As a certified appraiser, I’ve studied the decline in property values in Island County and I would like to see that trend change. We face serious challenges with the completion of the Pioneer Way improvements, construction of a wastewater treatment plant and compliance with state rules governing clean water. The people of Oak Harbor want change, and I believe our city council can only benefit from having a fresh perspective and some added diversity in the group.”
Mark Wiggins
Age: 53
Occupation: Owns Whidbey Island Manor; served on city parks board, board of adjustment, planning commission
Education: Oak Harbor High School, Skagit Valley College, University of Phoenix, Bellevue University
Website: None
Top priorities: Answer the questions of funding and location of the replacement for the wastewater treatment plant. A plan for the revival and economic development of downtown Oak Harbor.
In his own words: “In terms of both of these projects, and any others, the city needs to be pro-active with our community. We need to be good listeners and remember that we work for the citizens of this community. After all, we are responsible and accountable to the citizens of Oak Harbor.”
Martha Yount
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired businesswoman; military widow
Website: None
Education: Two years of college
Top priorities: Continue to keep Oak Harbor a safe place to live and raise families. Help Oak Harbor grow in a managed way with purpose, vision for the future and the environment. Work as a team player with citizens, the city and law enforcement.
In her own words: “I will work to be a candidate for all people of Oak Harbor. I believe in ethics, hard work, and respect when dealing with people. I will attempt to bring vision, good budgeting, and purpose to continue to keep Oak Harbor a wonderful place to live while allowing it to grow but also maintain the small town feeling that was here when I first moved to Oak Harbor in 1967.”
Paul Brewer
The candidate did not respond to requests for information.
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