Incumbent Mountlake Terrace City Councilwoman Kyoko Matsumoto Wright faces challenger Wanda Clarke-Morin in the Nov. 5 election.
It is one of five council positions on the general-election ballot in Mountlake Terrace, with three contested and two unopposed.
Here are introductory statements from the candidates:
Wanda Clarke-Morin
Beyond the primary duties of policymaking, the most important task of a councilperson is being part of a team that provides leadership, direction for our city’s future.
The job requires passion, a willingness to listen and work closely with residents on issues impacting the community, but maintaining the ability to place one’s own personal opinions aside while weighing what is best for the community.
Recent demographics show Mountlake Terrace, for the first time in many years, experiencing a slight population growth. This is good for our community. I support development of pro-growth policies in the context of measured population, and small businesses. Growth increases revenue, providing funds for programs and services our community needs to thrive. However, I, like many of my neighbors, am averse to having my taxes raised, unless I see great community value for the monies I’m asked to commit to.
I could tout my years as an educator, my past leadership positions in business and organizations, or even my hard-earned advanced degrees as reasons to believe I could make a viable contribution as your City Councilperson. But primarily, as a 13-year resident of Mountlake Terrace, I have raised my two sons in a community that feels safe; my neighbors are like family. I will work to maintain that sense of community I so greatly value. Together, let’s make Mountlake Terrace a vibrant, prosperous community where we are truly proud to live, work, and raise our families.
Wanda Clarke-Morin can be reached at clarkemorinw@comcast.net or on Facebook at Wanda Clarke-Morin_Candidate for MLT City Council.
Kyoko Matsumoto Wright
Elected Experience: Served on the Mountlake Terrace City Council since January of 2008.
Other Professional Experience: Real Estate Commissioner, State of Washington. Commissioner with the Snohomish County Housing Authority.
Education: Inglemoor High School; University of Washington
Community Service: UW School of Drama Advisory Board; Board of Trustees, ACT Theatre in Seattle.
Statement: A Mountlake Terrace resident since 1984, Kyoko served on the planning commission and the city council since 2003 and 2008. Known as a team player, Kyoko worked hard on the Town Center plan from its conception and now looks forward to working on bringing Light Rail to Snohomish County. Kyoko is proud of the city’s abundant parks and is working on adding more open space to the city. She wants to keep the balance of the neighborhood’s residential feel and embrace economic development in order for the city to be sustainable.
She is endorsed by her own industry, The Realtor Association, The Affordable Housing Council, Senator Rosemary McAuliffe, State Reps. Luis Moscoso and Derek Stanford of the 1st Legislative District, State Rep. Cindy Ryu, Snohomish County Councilmembers Brian Sullivan, Stephanie Wright, Dave Gossett, County Exec. John Lovick and the rest of the current Mountlake Terrace City Council.
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