MARYSVILLE — Two politically different contenders are seeking to replace Mayor Dave Weiser, who did not seek re-election.
Norma Jean Dierck, 45, is a homemaker on disability, and Dennis Kendall, 60, is a retired businessman.
Dierck served four years on the City Council before she was unseated in November 2001 by Tom Grady, who later resigned because he faced criminal theft charges and worked out a deal with county prosecutors.
Prior to the election, a group called Concerned Citizens of Marysville had targeted Dierck because of her stand on environmental and growth issues.
She opposes rapid commercial and residential growth, preferring carefully planned, "responsible" growth, and encouraging smaller businesses that won’t overshadow existing businesses instead of large corporations opening stores locally.
Dierck opposes tax increases for seniors and working families, wants to do away with the city’s new salary commission and has said she would donate $11,000 of her $71,000 salary back to the city to pay for more programs.
Dierck wants to promote quality neighborhoods, more parks, preserve greenbelt areas, safe walking trails and youth recreation.
Unlike Dierck, Kendall has 40 years of business and management experience, including supervising numerous employees and working with budgets and accounting.
He wants to help stimulate the economy and provide living-wage jobs in Marysville, provide more parks and recreational opportunities, and ensure the city’s fiscal stability. Kendall wants to "create a positive and professional image" for the city and see it run more like a business that is accountable to its residents.
His background has taught him to deal with all types of situations, be flexible and provide leadership, he said. He has been active in the community through service clubs, the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce and other organizations.
Kendall and his wife, Sue, have a daughter and two grandsons.
Reporter Cathy Logg: 425-339-3437 or logg@heraldnet.com.
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