Kim Halvorson’s campaign signs are drawing unexpected attention to her bid for state office.
That’s because of where the Republican candidate’s signs are – on the Tulalip Reservation – and who her opponent is – incumbent Democratic state representative and Tulalip leader John McCoy.
McCoy is seeking a second term in the state House in the 38th District. If McCoy turns back a primary challenge from Randall Rike Sept. 14, he’ll face Halvorson, a founder of the Tulalip Community Association, in November’s general election.
Already, a fierce battle for exposure is under way on the reservation. McCoy and Halvorson signs are visible on or near most of the major thoroughfares.
On July 26, a dispute arose. Tribal Chairman Stan Jones wrote to Halvorson that her signs had been posted on tribal property, rather than private or county land, and would have to be removed.
Jones said he sent the letter after a tribal member raised the issue. “To me it didn’t matter, but a tribal member complained,” Jones said.
Halvorson replied to Jones the next day, saying she would act once she was told which signs were in the wrong place.
As of Friday, she still had not been told.
“If they prove they are on tribal land, I’ll be happy to comply with all the policies,” she said.
Tribal officials said two 4- by 8-foot signs are in question: one near the 88th Street NE entrance to Quil Ceda Village and one at the intersection of 64th Avenue NE and Totem Beach Road.
Halvorson contends those signs are ion Snohomish County property, not on reservation land.
The county’s deputy public works director, Steve Thomson, said one of his inspectors looked at the signs this week and considered them to be on county land.
McCoy, general manager of Quil Ceda Village, will not comment on the dispute, said his campaign manager, Awesta Masshoor.
“We believe this issue is an issue between the Tulalip Tribes and the person or persons who are putting up the signs,” Masshoor said. “We don’t believe that this is an issue between Rep. McCoy and any other candidates.”
Reporter Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
