Quality of life covers a lot of ground regarding campaign issues in Mukilteo.
For the city of about 21,000, it’s the concern as it relates to the issue of commercial airline service at Paine Field, the city’s parks, traffic, parking and more.
Four city council races are on the Mukilteo general election ballot. One race, for Position No. 6, was on the primary ballot, leaving Richard Emery and Jon Boyce as the top two candidates for the general election. The position is currently held by Linda Grafer, who is not seeking re-election. Prior to the primary, The Herald Editorial Board endorsed Richard Emery.
Position No. 4: Steve Schmalz is completing his first term on the council and is challenged by Nicole Thomsen, who currently serves on the city planning commission. Schmalz is self-employed as a nutritional supplement distributor and serves with the Mukilteo Arts Guild and has done past work with community arts and music organizations. Thomsen works as an environmental health planner for King County.
Thomsen and Schmalz are not far apart on most issues. Both are supportive of the city’s efforts to oppose regular commercial service at Paine Field and want further study of traffic and other impacts and believe space at the regional airport should be reserved for higher-paying aerospace and other manufacturing jobs. Both are supporters of the city’s parks. Both have pledged to be careful stewards of the city’s finances.
Schmalz’s work with arts groups is a benefit for the city. And Thomsen, who, in addition to her planning commission work, serves on its waterfront master plan committee, offers valuable experience as that effort moves forward.
Either would represent Mukilteo residents well on the council, but during their interview with the board Schmalz offered more specific understanding on the issues facing the city. Voters should retain Schmalz. But Thomsen should seek a council seat in the future.
Position No. 5: The decision by current council member Emily Vanderwielen not to seek re-election drew Scott Whelpley and Mohammed Riaz Khan to seek a seat on the council. Khan works as a Boeing engineer and as a financial adviser and is leading an effort to build an Islamic center in Mukilteo. Whelpley, following a decorated 20-year career in the Navy serving as a naval flight officer, now works with a company that develops flight simulator training at Naval Air Station Whidbey.
Whelpley and Khan are split on the parking meters for non-residents at Lighthouse Park. Khan is opposed to the meters that went in this year. Whelpley believes the city now needs to consider the information it’s gathered on the pilot project and make adjustments.
Both are opposed to commercial service at Paine Field, but Whelpley’s aviation experience could be of great use to Mukilteo as it pursues its challenge. Whelpley says the city should seek assurances that impacts to traffic and noise will be addressed.
Both have the interests of Mukilteo at heart, but Whelpley’s knowledge and experience qualify him as the best choice for a council seat.
Position No. 7: Incumbent Christine Cook was appointed to the council in January 2014 to complete the term of Jennifer Gregerson after she was elected mayor. She is challenged by Charles “Charlie” Eakins, a software developer and artist and member of the Mukiteo Arts Guild. Eakins was not able to attend the interview with the editorial board, but on his website lists his priorities as the city budget, traffic and delivery of high-speed fiber-optic Internet service to the city.
The new Rosehill Community Center has proved popular, particularly with paying customers, which has made it difficult for residents and community groups to reserve rooms for events and classes. Cook says she wants to seek a balance at the center to increase access for residents but continue to serve rentals so the bonds for the center can be paid off. She’s supportive of dedicating a room at Rosehill for a senior center until a successful campaign can build one in the city.
She also supportive of the parking meters at Lighthouse and notes they are helping pay for rangers and other programs at the park that serve residents and non-residents.
Noting the need for bike paths and sidewalks, Cook says the city should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a transportation benefit district.
Cook has shown herself to be an asset to the council and the city in her nearly two years of service. She warrants a full term on the council.
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