Edmonds, with a population nearing 41,000, shares many of the same issues with other cities in the county. Like Marysville, it’s seeking a solution for the at-grade crossing conflicts between vehicle traffic and the railroad. As with other cities, even during a time of retail expansion, Edmonds is seeking to diversify and expand its base of employment. And there are the perennial issues of public safety and quality of life.
Six positions are on the ballot for Edmonds voters. Mayor Dave Earling and council members Diane Buckshnis for Position 4 and Thomas Mesaros for Position 6 are running unopposed.
City Council Position 2: Incumbent Mike Nelson, who was appointed to the position in March when Strom Peterson was elected to the Legislature, is challenged for the position’s remaining two years by Alvin Rutledge.
Rutledge, who is retired from his small business, has been an Edmonds resident since 1986 and familiar face in the city council chambers since 1987. While he has not won elected office despite past attempts, he has nonetheless served in other community groups and efforts, including as a volunteer with the Edmonds Food Bank and with the effort to annex the city library into the Sno-Isle system.
Rutledge has concerns about the council’s rules related to its governance and meetings and wants the potential health effects of the coal trains that run along the waterfront studied.
Nelson, executive director of the Service Employee International Union’s state political and legislative council, has served as a past member of the city planning commission and its rail crossing task force, among others.
Shortly after joining the council, Nelson consulted with the city’s attorney and has been advised not to participate in contract negotiations involving union employees. His work with the SEIU is at the state level and is not likely to involve issues related to Edmonds.
Nelson wants to focus development and revitalization efforts on Highway 99 and promote parks and the construction of sidewalks and the connection of bike routes in the city.
Nelson, drawing on a background that includes law enforcement, law, planning and the environment, offers the council a range of expertise. Voters should select him to complete the term.
City Council Position No. 5: Alicia Crank and Dave Teitzel are running for the seat now held by Joan Bloom, who is not seeking re-election.
Crank, a client services coordinator for a company that provides financial management to nonprofit organizations, is a relatively new resident of Edmonds, but has quickly looked for opportunities to serve and volunteers with the Edmonds Sister Cities group.
Crank wants to improve the transparency of city government and increase the opportunity for public comment at council meetings. She also is interested in promoting affordable housing in the city and efforts to improve neighborhood walkability and pedestrian safety.
Teitzel, retired following a 35-year career with Qwest Communications and 10 years as its public policy director, has been an Edmonds resident for more than 25 years.
Teitzel says the city should base its budget decisions on the priorities outlined in its citizen-developed Comprehensive and Strategic Action Plans.
Noting the city’s heavy reliance on revenue from retail business, Teitzel wants to see the city diversify its employment base.
Teitzel, drawing on his budgeting, marketing and public policy experience and his knowledge of the community, merits election to the council.
City Council Position No. 7: Neil Tibbott is challenging incumbent Lora Petso, who won reelection in 2011 after she was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2010. Including a term in 2000 to 2003, Petso has served nine years on the council.
Petso runs a risk management consulting business in Edmonds.
Noting the money saved by the city’s recent debt restructuring, Petso said she wants to continue to develop the city’s long-term financial planning and use her experience as the city’s representative on the regional fire authority as it addresses a new contract with Fire District 1.
Tibbott, who for 15 years worked for a consulting group that analyzed traffic patterns, population trends and neighborhood dynamics for more than 20 cities in Western Washington, is now the executive director for an organization that provides human resource services for nonprofits. He is the current chairman of the city planning commission and served two terms on the city’s transportation committee.
Tibbott wants to see the city diversify its tax base and accommodate growth while maintaining the character of its neighborhoods beyond the waterfront and downtown.
Tibbott also said he’ll work to be a stabilizing force on the council. In recent years, three city finance directors have resigned, and the council, prone to discord, was forced to hire mediators to improve the working relationship among the council members.
Tibbott has the knowledge base, experience and demeanor that the council could benefit from. He deserves the support of Edmonds voters.
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