Guzak, Schilaty, Clemans leading in Snohomish

Published 11:30 pm Tuesday, November 6, 2007

In Snohomish, an incumbent City Council member was trailing his opponent, while another incumbent and a stay-at-home mom were winning two other seats on the council, according to early election results Tuesday.

For Position 2, Karen Guzak, a local business owner, had a safe lead over City Councilman Larry Countryman.

“I do think people want a change,” Guzak said.

Countryman wasn’t available for comment.

Guzak said she will work to unite council members to serve Snohomish residents.

“I want to be one who can listen to all points of view and work continuously for the greater good,” she said.

Guzak and Countryman differed on a growth plan for Harvey Field in a floodplain. Guzak said she doesn’t want major development at the airport, which could make flooding worse. Countryman said that if the Snohomish River floods, it’s going to flood regardless of the airport’s growth.

For Position 1, Lynn Schilaty, a stay-at-home mom, was leading Marc Crawford, a marketer for a roofing company.

Schilaty said her top priority is to help the city grow into a vibrant place where people can work, live and raise their families.

For Position 3, Councilwoman Melody Clemans was leading Chris Walsh.

Clemans, who owns an independent insurance agency, said she wants to use her experience on the council to promote responsible growth.

Monroe

For Position 6 of the City Council, voters were choosing a political newcomer over an incumbent. Margie S. Rodriguez, assistant principal at a local elementary school, had a safe lead over City Councilman Chad Minnick.

“I’m very optimistic and excited to see I’m winning,” Rodriguez said.

Minnick wasn’t immediately available for comment.

Rodriguez, who wants to provide more support places and recreational opportunities for youth, said she will assist the mayor to tackle many issues the growing city is facing.

“I think the No. 1 issue for the community is transportation,” she said.

For Position 4, City Councilman Tony Balk had a safe lead over Brandy Knight. Transportation is his top issue, Balk said. He said he helped the city create a new transportation plan, and he is working with other officials to prepare a multi-million dollar bond issue to pay for some projects outlined in the plan.

For Position 5, City Councilman John Stima was leading write-in candidate Ron Moon. Stima, a pastor at a local church, said his priority is to improve traffic choke points. He also wants to help the city revitalize its downtown as a destination where people can live in condominiums, shop and dine.

Sultan

Carolyn Eslick, a former councilwoman, had a safe lead over City Councilman John Seehuus to become the city’s next mayor.

As the city struggles financially, Eslick, a business loan officer, said her experience would help the city attract businesses and increase its retail tax base.

Sarah Davenport-Smith was leading Richard Hill for Position 4 on the City Council. Davenport-Smith, a municipal storm water specialist for the state Department of Ecology, said she wants to use her expertise to help Sultan improve its financial issues.

For Position 5, incumbent City Councilman Jim Flower was leading Derek Boyd. Flower said he has worked to inform Sultan residents on city issues and decision making.

For Position 7, Dale Doornek was leading Kerry Ourada. Doornek said he knows what’s happening in the city because he has lived in Sultan for more than a decade.

Gold Bar

Jay Prueher was leading Susan Forbes for Position 4 of the City Council.

Prueher, a retired marine engineer, said he would like to help the city grow in a managed way.

For Position 5, Joe Beavers, a retired engineering manager, maintained a safe lead over Cheryl Crumpler, who died of cancer in September.

Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.