MONROE — With four of the seven positions up for election Tuesday, the Monroe City Council could see a lot of change.
Or it could stay pretty much the same.
Whatever happens, the eight candidates mostly agree on the key issues facing the city.
How to deal with traffic is No. 1, followed by the gap in the city budget and development on N. Kelsey Street that could bring in new businesses to help resolve the budget problem.
Bryan Lipscy boasts of his Navy and corporate experience, along with school volunteerism and council attendance since 2000.
Geoffrey Thomas says his professional experience in city and county planning and his community volunteerism make him the better choice.
Tony Balk says his 3 1/2years on the council and 1 1/2years on the fire board make him the better candidate.
Thomas Layson said voters should choose him because of his community involvement, his stance on planning for growth and that the Fryelands area needs representation.
The hottest race looks to be incumbent Marc Mechling against Chad Minnick.
Mechling has been on the council since 2000. He has served on the fire board, Snohomish County Tomorrow and is mayor pro-tem. He said he’s an engineer, not a politician.
But Minnick said it’s time for Mechling to go.
"My opponent has been part of the problem, not part of the solution," Minnick said.
A small-business owner, Minnick said he wants to minimize the effects of growth, not try to stop it.
Bob Riordan boasts of his experience as human resource manager for the largest prison in the state. He’s been involved in budgeting, researching and dealing with state and federal laws.
Robert Zimmerman said residents should vote for him because of his wide variety of experience in business operations and sales management. He’s also committed to conservative growth.
Reporter Jennifer Warnick: 425-339-3429 or jwarnick@heraldnet.com.
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