Monroe mayor won’t win re-election without a fight

Monroe Mayor Donnetta Walser sounds like your typical politician facing re-election: paranoid, defensive and prepared for defeat.

She didn’t behave this way when she first won the job in 2001 and earned a second term in 2005.

That’s probably because she ran unopposed.

Her demeanor is different with two challengers, City Councilman Mitch Ruth and former Councilman Robert Zimmerman, standing between her and a third term.

And neither one actually makes Walser as nervous as does a long-standing political foe not on the ballot: Chad Minnick.

Minnick, a critic of the mayor throughout her tenure, served on the Monroe City Council for a term until losing re-election to Margie Rodriguez in 2007.

Walser worked very hard to elect Rodriguez and expects Minnick is looking for payback.

“I know I am going to be a target. It’s going to be nasty,” she predicted.

She sees Minnick hiding in every bush, lurking around every corner and plotting dirty tricks to depose her from office.

Walser is convinced Zimmerman entered the race at Minnick’s urging and will be his puppet throughout — which both men summarily rejected.

“Nobody put me up to this,” Zimmerman said, adding he’s contemplated this run since leaving the council in 2007.

He and Minnick are personal friends and politically like- minded. Minnick may assist but won’t manage the campaign, Zimmerman said.

Minnick sounds complimented by Walser’s allegations.

“I am absolutely honored and flattered that she would find me that relevant,” he said.

History shows Minnick’s involvement could prove very relevant.

He’s a paid political consultant who approaches elections as a contact sport in which winning is achieved by driving a stake with a maul through an opponent’s reputation and credo.

Those he targets typically cry foul at his tactics while those he advises welcome the rewards they can deliver.

For example, Minnick was a central figure in the unseating of Liz Loomis from the Snohomish City Council a couple years back. He managed the campaign of the winner, Doug Thorndike, and advised an independent group that sprouted to oppose her.

Walser is aware of the past and worried about the future.

“I will be on the defensive until November. I’m not excited about it,” she said glumly.

Such is the price of incumbency, Zimmerman said.

“She should be in full defense because what’s happening in the city today is because of the lack of her skill sets,” he said, harping on what will be a theme of his campaign.

Ruth may pose the greater threat of the two challengers. He is better known, and he is more deeply rooted in the city than Zimmerman. Being in office gives him a consistent seat in front of the public.

His strength, as well as weakness, could be his refreshingly frank commentary on issues.

While the state protested, he pressed the city to adopt the toughest law in the state limiting where convicted sex offenders can live. Minnick and Walser also backed this legislation.

Ruth endured a few barbs in the community when he suggested, a bit tongue-in-cheek, in 2007 that Monroe could help Sultan solve its budget woes by annexing the neighboring town.

For him, the race is about style more than any issue or resume.

Walser’s been ubiquitous, helping elevate Monroe’s profile throughout the county and down to the state Capitol, he said.

In the current downturn, he said she’s not done what he thinks is necessary to get the city ready for the future.

“She’s a nice person. She’s not a leader. She is so afraid to make a mistake,” he said.

“I would step in front of a bus for that woman to save her. But I would not follow her in front of a bus,” he said.

Walser counters some of what Ruth and Zimmerman say by reciting her achievements, from building ball fields to gaining money for U.S. 2 safety improvements.

Still, she’s not of the mindset yet for the grueling battle this race may become.

“I’ve really enjoyed being mayor. I’ve worked hard for eight years,” said Walser, who previously served on the City Council. “If voters don’t know what I’ve done, if I can’t win on my reputation, fine. Voters will decide.”

Their first chance comes with the primary Aug. 18.

Check out political reporter Jerry Cornfield’s blog, The Petri Dish. Contact him at 360-352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com.