Two political newcomers run for Granite Falls City Council seat

Published 12:01 am Thursday, October 6, 2011

GRANITE FALLS — Two people new to politics are aiming to become the city’s newest council member.

Thomas Gallagher and Tess Greene are on the Nov. 8 general election ballot for the Position 4 council seat. Both are running for an elected office for the first time. The seat is currently held by Councilman Wesley Roeder who was appointed last October. He ran in the primary election in August, but did not earn enough votes to move to the general election.

Gallagher, 55, a contract worker with Microsoft, wants to attract new business to the city. Adding community watch programs to improve safety and keeping the city clean of litter are also some of his priorities if he’s elected.

Greene, 51, who retired after working for Verizon Communications for more than 30 years, said her top priority would be to bring a youth center to the city.

“I would really like to see that come through,” she said. “These kids need a place to go after school.”

Greene said she would also like to schedule a meeting between local restaurant owners and farmers to promote local produce. She’s added that she’s also interested in helping to bring more businesses to the city of about 3,400 people.

“This is where my inexperience comes in, but what I know from current business owners in the area is the permit process almost forced them away,” she said. “I think maybe we could ease up the permit process, and I’m going to take the time to find out what was so difficult for them.”

Councilman Matt Hartman is running uncontested to retain the Position 5 seat.

The City Council includes five members who each serve four year terms. Councilmembers are paid $100 a month.

Amy Daybert: 425-339-3491; adaybert@heraldnet.com.

Granite Falls City Council, Position 4

Thomas Gallagher

Age: 55

Occupation: Contract worker with Microsoft

Priorities: Keep the community safe with community watch programs; keep the city clean of litter; attract new businesses.

Tess Greene

Age: 51

Occupation: Retired from Verizon Communications

Priorities: Open a youth center in the city; attract new businesses; use local farmers’ produce.