Published: Thursday, September 29, 2011
Herald endorsements / Lake Stevens City Council
Quigley, Morea stand out
More than most cities near its size, Lake Stevens seems to benefit from a deep well of talented, committed citizens willing to run for local office.
Three stand out in this year's elections for City Council. One, John Spencer, is running unopposed for a second term. In the two contested races, incumbent Suzanne Quigley and first-time candidate Tony Morea earn our endorsement for their pertinent experience, intelligence and clear vision for the city's future.
Quigley, who is running for a second full term, has been proving her commitment to the city since before she even became one of its citizens. She helped spearhead the effort to have her Frontier Village neighborhood annexed a few years ago, and before that chaired a major bond campaign for the school district.
As a council member, she has been a strong voice (among others) for smart planning that encourages forward-thinking development and protects the city's shorelines. Such planning is well underway, and Quigley will help keep it on track. She also brings a good business sense to the council, helped by her day job as the executive director of a private nonprofit in Seattle.
Quigley is challenged by Craig Suhadolnik, founder of a Bellevue-based networking company where he is still an executive. He says he wants to advocate for citizens in newly annexed areas "so they are not simply a source of revenue." He notes traffic congestion that he says points to poor planning. That's a fair charge, but one more fairly aimed at the county, which until the recent annexations controlled most of the area.
Morea is an easy choice for Position 4, a seat being given up by Mark Somers, who chose not to run for a second term.
Morea works as a regional facilities management specialist for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and serves as the local American Legion commander. He has learned much about the city in that post, building relationships with city staff, the Chamber, schools and local service clubs. He also has taken part in economic development workshops and planning sessions for the Shoreline Master Program. His enthusiasm for the community shows. He would be a strong addition to the council.
Morea is opposed by Todd Welch, a 20-year Navy veteran who works as a system administrator. Welch is an intelligent, thoughtful candidate who, like Morea, is motivated by a desire to make a positive difference. Against a lesser opponent, he might have earned our nod.
Three stand out in this year's elections for City Council. One, John Spencer, is running unopposed for a second term. In the two contested races, incumbent Suzanne Quigley and first-time candidate Tony Morea earn our endorsement for their pertinent experience, intelligence and clear vision for the city's future.
Quigley, who is running for a second full term, has been proving her commitment to the city since before she even became one of its citizens. She helped spearhead the effort to have her Frontier Village neighborhood annexed a few years ago, and before that chaired a major bond campaign for the school district.
As a council member, she has been a strong voice (among others) for smart planning that encourages forward-thinking development and protects the city's shorelines. Such planning is well underway, and Quigley will help keep it on track. She also brings a good business sense to the council, helped by her day job as the executive director of a private nonprofit in Seattle.
Quigley is challenged by Craig Suhadolnik, founder of a Bellevue-based networking company where he is still an executive. He says he wants to advocate for citizens in newly annexed areas "so they are not simply a source of revenue." He notes traffic congestion that he says points to poor planning. That's a fair charge, but one more fairly aimed at the county, which until the recent annexations controlled most of the area.
Morea is an easy choice for Position 4, a seat being given up by Mark Somers, who chose not to run for a second term.
Morea works as a regional facilities management specialist for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and serves as the local American Legion commander. He has learned much about the city in that post, building relationships with city staff, the Chamber, schools and local service clubs. He also has taken part in economic development workshops and planning sessions for the Shoreline Master Program. His enthusiasm for the community shows. He would be a strong addition to the council.
Morea is opposed by Todd Welch, a 20-year Navy veteran who works as a system administrator. Welch is an intelligent, thoughtful candidate who, like Morea, is motivated by a desire to make a positive difference. Against a lesser opponent, he might have earned our nod.
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