DARRINGTON — Mayor Joyce Jones says she’s ready for a third term. Town Councilman Dan Rankin says it’s time for him to take on a bigger role.
Rankin, 50, has challenged Jones, 77, in her bid for re-election on the Nov. 8 ballot, but not because he thinks she has done a poor job. In fact, the candidates are quick to point out that they are friends.
“It’s just that I’ve done what I can as a councilman,” Rankin said. “I think I can help the town more as mayor. I am prepared to drive to Everett and Olympia to participate on the county and state levels. There are nonprofit groups and possibilities beyond the town limits that can help Darrington survive.”
Jones wants to return to office to continue the fight for the development of tourism, which could help boost the town’s poor economy.
“It’s hard to see everybody hurting. I have great affection for the people,” Jones said. “Darrington has been good to me and I want to give back as much as I can. I have a good relationship with the council, and I appreciate that we have high interest in town meetings from our citizens.”
Jones, who retired from a U.S. Forest Service management position, said she has the skills to bring people together to solve problems.
“We’ve had some good success with grant applications and our partnerships with other jurisdictions. I am proud of our partnerships,” Jones said. “We’re holding tough. Darrington just raised $2 million to fix its community center gym floor. We always come together to help each other.”
Rankin, the owner of a small lumber mill, said Darrington is one of the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest in terms of good people, natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
“But we need a direction and a commitment to the younger people in our community. We are still hurting because of timber going away,” he said. “We need to attract living-wage jobs for our young families.”
The mayor of Darrington is paid $400 a month.
“I have genuine affection for Dan,” Jones said. “He has been an asset to the town and he would do well as mayor.”
Rankin said the feeling is mutual.
“I did not want to run against Joyce,” Rankin said. “She has been good for Darrington.”
The only contested Darrington Town Council race is the Position 5 seat being vacated Councilman Kerry Frable, who decided not to run again. Retired teacher Mary Requa and motel owner David Singer are vying for that spot.
Running unopposed are Judy O’Connor for the Position 3 now held by Councilwoman Frankie Nations Brysonm who decided not to run, and Katherine Green for the Position 4 seat currently held by Rankin. Council members receive a stipend of $35 a meeting, and often there is just one meeting a month to attend.
A League of Women Voters candidate forum is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Cascade Senior Center,1115 Darrington St. Along with town candidates, people planning to speak include the unopposed school board candidates and the four candidates for two seats on the Fire Prevention District 24 Commission, Dale Hamlin and Diane Holz for Position 2, and Judith Nations and Dale Coggins for Position 3.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.
Darrington Mayor
Joyce Jones
Age: 77
Occupation: Mayor; retired from U.S. Forest Service
Website: None
Priorities: Economic development, including tourism promotion; improve streets, especially Sauk Avenue; extend town waterline to county park.
Dan Rankin
Age: 50
Occupation: Owner of small lumber mill; Town councilman
Website: None
Priorities: Preserve quality of life; attract living-wage jobs; continue partnerships with Hampton Lumber, U.S. Forest Service, Sauk-Suiattle Tribe, Darrington School District and Snohomish County.
Darrington Town Council, Position 5
Mary Requa
Age: 68
Occupation: Retired longtime Darrington school teacher
Website: None
Priorities: Help keep Darrington a good place to raise children; attend to the needs of senior citizens; encourage economic development.
David Singer
Age: 60
Occupation: Owner of Darrington Motor Inn
Website: None
Priorities: Start a Boys & Girls Club; improve streets; promote economic development.
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