Arlington position 2 seat interests 3 candidates
Published 9:00 pm Monday, August 27, 2001
By Brian Kelly
Herald Writer
ARLINGTON — Despite the outcome of the September primary, one thing’s for sure: There will be a new face on the Arlington City Council after the general election.
Councilwoman Bea Randall has decided not to run for re-election, and three residents have jumped in to fill the void; Vincent Danner, Ryan Larsen and Marvin Monty.
It’s important work, they say, because the future of the town of roughly 11,700 is at stake.
It’s the first time that Danner, a four-year resident of Arlington, has run for public office. Danner, 37, works as an electronics technician.
His goals are to keep property taxes low, better manage growth, and provide a voice for citizens who are going unheard.
The Smokey Point resident said he’s running because that part of Arlington needs representation on the council.
"They haven’t broadened their thoughts to think about issues that concern this part of Arlington," he said of the council.
"They just haven’t learned to think beyond traditional Arlington. It’s just second nature for them at this point."
But his opponents say one of the major issues facing the city is still on the other side of town where plans are in the works to renovate Olympic Avenue.
"I think it’s a good thing," Larsen said. But he said he’s heard from citizens who wonder how much business support there is for the project. The city council should know that as well, Larsen said.
"We, as a city, need to understand what the business owners are concerned with, and making sure they’re heard," he said.
Larsen, a senior planner for Snohomish County, also has established roots in Arlington. He was born and raised in the community, and his father served on the city council several years ago. Larsen also worked for the city as a consultant and a city planner, experience that will prove helpful on development and growth issues that come before the council, he said.
"Hopefully I can bring some insight into that," Larsen said.
Marvin Monty, a part-time real estate agent and the owner of a Stanwood car wash, said he wants to focus on growth.
"The area is growing so rapidly, I feel I can help do things right as we grow," he said.
Monty grew up in Arlington, a block away from the town’s main drag, and his father once owned a gas station on Arlington’s main street. Monty said he’s worried about what might happen to downtown business owners if the Olympic Avenue renovation plan becomes reality.
The idea itself is a good one, he said.
"It would be nice," Monty said. "Unfortunately, I’m afraid it would kill a lot of businesses downtown."
You can call Herald Writer Brian Kelly at 425-339-3422 or send e-mail to kelly@heraldnet.com.
