ARLINGTON — Incumbent City Councilman Scott Solla is challenged in his bid for re-election by two young men who think it’s time to lower the age range on the council.
None of the current council members is younger than 40. One of the youngest, Solla, 51, believes wisdom and experience counts. Candidate Brock Hecla, 24, says he has a fresh perspective to lend.
“I have an open mind and I’m tech savvy,” said Hecla, who runs an information technology business. “We need someone who understands technology to lead us into the future. There are a lot of things out there that could involve newer tech.”
Solla’s other challenger, Kari Ilonummi, 26, agrees that a new view is needed.
“We must pay more attention to the lower and middle classes in our community,” Ilonummi said. “We need to show that there is hope and ultimately we don’t have to be apathetic or discouraged.”
Solla, 51, wants to continue to serve on the council to help the city get through the current economic downturn. Meanwhile, the City Council must look ahead to make sure people in Arlington are well served, he said.
“We need to be visionary because Arlington is still growing,” Solla said. “I’m here to look out for the safety and quality of life for our citizens. We need a strong tax base, jobs and essential utilities and services.”
Solla, who is employed in the grocery industry, is married with three sons and four grandchildren. As a family man, he appreciates the sacrifices of city employees who are taking unpaid furloughs and holidays to help the city get through its budget crunch, he said.
Arlington City Council members are paid a stipend of $50 a meeting, with an average income of $200 and a limit of $400 a month.
Originally from California, Solla was first appointed to Position 3 in 2006 to fill an unexpired term. In 2007 he was elected to complete the term.
“I love Arlington and I want to spend my time making an impact on my community,” Solla said. “I have yet to see Mr. Hecla or Mr. Ilonummi attend a council meeting or workshop.”
Hecla is a 2003 graduate of Kamiak High School and a computer science student at Everett Community College. His business is based in Arlington.
A former job as drafting designer for an architect and land-use planner gave Hecla insight into working with city governments, he said.
“I don’t have an agenda for my campaign. I just want to give back to the community and make sure Arlington is a good place for families,” Hecla said. “I want the city to go in the right direction and have a younger voice on the council.”
This is Ilonummi’s second bid for a place on the city council. He previously ran a write-in campaign in 2007 against longtime Councilwoman Marilyn Oertle.
A graduate of Grandview High School in Eastern Washington, Ilonummi takes classes at the Washington State University extension office in Everett. His primary goals for Arlington are to preserve civil liberties, keep Wal-Mart from locating in the city, build a new library and support programs for young people, he said.
Ilonummi has been running a door-bell campaign in the city, and that’s not an easy thing to do, he said. He suffers from a debilitating neurological disease known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy or peroneal muscular atrophy. Ilonummi has difficulty walking, has undergone numerous surgeries and suffers from severe pain. He has a doctor’s authorization under state law to use marijuana for medical purposes.
He also has a criminal arrest record that includes marijuana possession and driving with a suspended license. A look at Ilonummi’s recent court appearances shows that he has served jail time.
“I do not condone drug use, and I have tried other methods of pain relief,” Ilonummi said. “Statistics show that when teenagers have hobbies to consume their time, they are far less likely to use drugs, steal and join gangs. I will work for those positive activities for kids.”
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.
Name: Brock Hecla
Age: 24
Occupation: Information technology consulting business owner
Name: Kari Ilonummi
Age: 26
Occupation: Obtaining master gardener certification
Name: Scott Solla
Age: 51
Occupation: Food merchandising and sales supervisor
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