GRANITE FALLS — Three people are running for one position on the Granite Falls City Council.
Thomas Gallagher and Tess Greene are challenging Wesley Roeder, who was appointed to Position 4. The two candidates with the most votes in the Aug. 16 primary will go on to the Nov. 8 general electio
n.
The City Council includes five members who each serve four year terms. Councilmembers every month are expected to attend three regularly scheduled meetings and are paid $100 a month.
Roeder, 40, is a manager of Custom Stones Inc. in Snohomish and has lived in Granite Falls since 200
3. He was one of three people to apply for the open position in October. After almost a year on the council, Roeder said he’s ready to run in his first election.
“I’ve finally got some experience out of what I’ve done (on council),” he said. “It would be a shame to take someone, put them in office for a year to let them finally figure out what’s going on and then waste a term on them.”
One reason why Roeder wants to maintain his seat is to help bring a Boys & Girls Club or similar youth center to the city. One of his challengers, Tess Greene, also said opening a youth center is a top priority.
Greene, 51, worked at Verizon Communications for more than 30 years. She is now retired and is running for office for the first time.
“I need to learn more,” she said. “I need to get caught up and find out if the City Council is concerned about businesses leaving town and tourism.”
Greene said she would like to see new businesses in the city of 3,400 people.
A third candidate, Thomas Gallagher, applied for the seat last year and is also running in his first election. He is a contract worker with Microsoft.
Gallagher, 55, said he would like to work on forming neighborhood watch programs and picking up trash in the city to attract new business.
“A lot more people would be interested in bringing their business or starting to do business in Granite Falls if it looks cleaner, I think,” he said.
Granite Falls City Council, Position 4 (nonpartisan office)
The primary election is Aug. 16.
Thomas Gallagher
Age: 55
Occupation: Contract worker with Microsoft
Education: Juanita High School, 1974.
In their words: “I think I could be an asset to the community as part of the council. I’m looking forward to just being able to contribute and point the city in a good direction. There are a few things I’ve seen that I don’t think are the greatest things for Granite Falls.”
Priorities: Keep the community safe with community watch programs; keep the city clean of litter; attract new businesses.
Tess Greene
Age: 51
Occupation: Retired from Verizon Communications
Education: Associate degree in business administration, Everett Community College, .
In their words: “I’d like to see a few things done around town such as crosswalks repainted and better signage and have more businesses come into town without struggle. I want things to move in this town.”
Priorities: Open a youth center in the city; attract new businesses; use local farmers’ produce.
Wesley Roeder
Age: 40
Occupation: Manager at Custom Stones, Inc.
Education: High school
In their words: “I’ve enjoyed what I’ve done (on council). I like the direction we’ve finally started to turn. I’m completely for anything that has to do with youth activities.”
Priorities: Establish a Boys & Girls Club or youth center in the city; pay special attention to the city’s budget; help the city with several grants.
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