Lynnwood City Council candidates release initial statements

Four candidates are running in the Aug. 6 primary for the position on the Lynnwood City Council that Councilwoman Kerri Lonergren-Dreke is giving up.

The top two vote-getters in the primary advance to the November general election.

The four candidates in the primary are Lynnwood Planning Commissioner Maria Ambalada, real estate broker Douglas Lovitt, Boeing quality specialist David Mayers and former Lynnwood Councilwoman Ruth Ross.

Here are introductory statements from the four candidates:

Maria Ambalada

I am a 52-year resident of Snohomish County.

I am familiar with City Council dynamics and policies affecting the city, balanced with awareness of economic needs facing residents’ future.

I advocate free mini-buses for those without other transportation, affordable housing for seniors and young families, surface water free from toxins, sidewalk repairs, neighborhood disaster preparedness and partnerships with schools and businesses creating internships for graduates.

I am a planning commissioner, a member of the Snohomish County Council on Aging, a member of the Snohomish County Citizen Committee on Human Rights and a former board member of Lynnwood Work Opportunities Inc.

Douglas Lovitt

Born in Bremerton, Douglas moved to Lynnwood with his parents from Seattle in 1975. One of three brothers, he attended Lynnwood High and graduated from the University of Washington’s School of Business with Honors.

Douglas started his real estate career in the early 1990’s and quickly rose to management. Today, Douglas is the Branch Manager/Broker for CENTURY 21/North Homes Realty on 164th Street SW in Lynnwood. He has earned an excellent reputation within his industry. He is well respected within Lynnwood’s business community and is a trusted and reliable leader.

For a more details regarding Douglas, check, www.linkedin.com/in/douglaslovitt/

David Mayers

Quality Specialist, Boeing

I am running for this office because I wish to learn more about politics and how this office can help decide what direction should be taken moving forward for the future.

I look forward to meeting with people to share my views and ask their questions or concerns on going forward.

Ruth Ross

I am a proven public servant and it is an honor to serve. In the past, I worked as a code compliance officer in Arizona, where I protected the sensitive desert environment from illegal dumping and property deterioration. I’ve lived in Lynnwood since 1995 and previously served as a Code Compliance Officer for Lynnwood before my election to the city council. During my first two council terms, I focused on community enhancement and protection, including emergency preparedness, remodeling the recreation center and establishing guidelines for anticipated growth. I also returned to school and now have a master’s degree in public administration.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.