Endorsements

Shoreline voters should re-elect Bob Ransom to City Council.

He understands the budget and has developed a wealth of knowledge about important city issues. He has shown that he listens and has gone out on a limb to vote differently from the majority on issues such as the Aurora Corridor project and changing citizen’s comment time at meetings. When the vote doesn’t go his way, he has shown to be cooperative, support the majority decision and move forward.

Janet Way’s activist passion would better serve the city if she were directed to a Planning Commission appointment, where she can better impact the city’s policies on land use and the environment. There she could also gain broader experience with city government.

Northshore Fire District voters should re-elect Steven Gimurtu to the fire commission.

Gimurtu’s experience on the commission is key as the department looks to further regionalize services and is approaching the idea of a merger with other north King County departments. He has a keen understanding of the department and how to work through challenges. He is involved at the regional and state level as a commissioner and would serve voters well.

Ron Gehrke is a fine candidate with a good understanding of the fire department and commission’s challenges. He would make a fine commissioner, but was unable to prove why Gimurtu must be replaced. He should consider another run for office in the future.

Lake Forest Park voters should re-elect Dave Maehren to the Northshore Fire Commission.

Maehren has been an active commissioner and community member in this area for several years. He has the broad knowledge and commitment needed to serve the fire department. He has a clear understanding of the budget process and the service needs of the department and would serve residents well on the commission.

Jim Jordan, his challenger, doesn’t make the case for why the community should lose the experience Maehren provides.