EVERETT — Edmonds City Council candidates Erika Barnett and Alex Newman are set to face off in November.
Three newcomers were vying for the Position 3 seat currently held by council President Neil Tibbott, who is not seeking reelection.
Barnett, a small-business owner, led with 49% of the vote. Her campaign focused on fiscal responsibility, strengthening emergency response and preserving Edmonds’ charm. She supports raising revenue through paid parking and sales taxes and having the city go through a financial audit before raising property taxes.
“I’m grateful to the voters of Edmonds for their support in the Primary and am excited to continue the conversation heading into November,” Barnett said in a statement Wednesday. “As someone who has lived and worked in Edmonds for over a decade—and is raising two children in the Edmonds School District—I care deeply about this city and want to see us thrive. I bring years of leadership experience in both large organizations and small business, and I’m committed to putting that to work to ensure Edmonds remains a safe, vibrant, and financially resilient place for all.”
Newman, executive director of American Red Cross Northwest Washington, was close behind with 42% of the vote. His campaign focused on addressing the city’s budget crisis through revenues that have less of a burden on residents, such as raising the city’s cultural access sales tax and installing more red light cameras in school zones. He supports the council’s proposed $14.5 million levy lid lift. He also prioritized environmental protection and wants to develop emergency management plans and minimize carbon emissions.
“There is work ahead — and I am up for the task,” Newman said in a statement Tuesday night. “I am proud to make my case to voters, focusing on environmental protection, affordability, and public safety. I know my background as a nonprofit executive uniquely positions me to help the city through the budget crisis that worries so many voters, myself included. We must never forget the stakes of this election — the future of our parks, our marsh, and our financial security are on the line.”
Joseph Ademofe, a security guard at the University of Washington, trailed with 9% of the vote. He focused on using tax incentives to attract new businesses to Edmonds and increase sales tax revenue. He also supported preserving the city’s parks and environment.
As of Tuesday, Barnett led in campaign contributions with $17,487, according to campaign filings. Newman raised $12,663. Ademofe raised $3,644.
The primary election comes as the city is asking voters to approve a $14.5 million property tax levy lid lift in November. If the levy fails, the city could face a significant budget deficit, requiring the council to cut essential city services. If it passes, the council will have the task of allocating the new sum of money to rebuild city services.
Revenue generation was a top issue for all three candidates, as many Edmonds residents have raised concerns about rising property taxes. In April, Edmonds voters approved annexation into South County Fire, raising property taxes by about $62 per month for the median household. The levy lid lift would raise taxes by about $63 per month for the median household, and both increases would go into effect in January.
Edmonds City Council members earn about $21,000 per year. The primary election results will be certified Aug. 19.
The Position 3 race is one of three that will be on the Nov. 4 ballot. Incumbent Chris Eck faces real estate agent Glenda Krull for Position 1. Incumbent Will Chen faces business developer Jessica Bachman for Position 2.
Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.
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