Lynnwood mayoral election

Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, September 12, 2001

After decades of being graced by quality leadership in the mayor’s office, Lynnwood has five candidates to be the city’s next mayor. The competition is hot, but the pool of candidates is tepid, at best.

All five candidates come from a city council that has frequently been dysfunctional in recent years. Out of the five, Jim Smith has the most to offer voters in the primary election. He has a long record of service on the council, 14 years, and appears to have grown in recent years. And his ability to focus on issues would be a significant asset.

Two others, Mike McKinnon and Loren Simmonds, would be good candidates for voters to make a finalist on the November general election ballot. McKinnon has a record of 12 years of good-hearted service on the council, plus a variety of volunteer involvements. Simmonds has a background in working with non-profit agencies that suggests he could be effective in dealing with a variety of people.

The city’s very capable mayor, Tina Roberts-Martinez, decided not to seek a third term, saying she wanted to spend more time with her husband. Her administration continued a tradition of capable mayors established during the 25 years the office was held by her predecessor, M.J. Hrdlicka.

After the primary, voters should take their time to look carefully at the candidates’ abilities and their stands on the issues. The campaign should help voters to judge the potential of the more capable office-seekers.