MOUNTLAKE TERRACE – City voters have the following choices to make for City Council in the Nov. 8 general election.
Position 1
Angela Amundson, co-owner of Cafe on the Terrace, said she deserves a second term on the council because she has improved communications between City Hall and residents.
“I am a citizen’s advocate,” said Amundson, a 15-year resident. “I believe in communication. They (the citizens) are more aware of what is going on in the city, and anyone will tell you that.”
Amundson is particularly proud of reviving City Happenings, the city newsletter, and of her vocal opposition to routing the Brightwater sewage treatment plant pipeline through the city.
| Oct. 9: State initiatives, Stanwood City Council
Oct. 10: Arlington City Council, Island County Oct. 11: Granite Falls City Council, Gold Bar City Council Oct. 12: Sultan City Council, Lake Stevens City Council Oct. 13: Hospital races, Snohomish County schools Oct. 14: Edmonds City Council, fire district races Oct. 15: Monroe City Council, Mukilteo City Council Oct. 17: County Council District 5, Mill Creek City Council Oct. 18: County Council districts 1 and 4, Lynnwood mayor and City Council Oct. 19: Appeals court Oct. 20: Bothell City Council Oct. 21: Brier mayor and City Council Oct. 22: Port of Everett Oct. 23: Everett mayor and City Council Oct. 24: Snohomish City Council Oct. 25: Fire districts Oct. 26: Everett and Edmonds annexations, fire districts Today: Mountlake Terrace City Council Friday: Medical malpractice initiatives Saturday: Smoking initiative Sunday: Gas tax initiative Monday: Water districts Tuesday: Snohomish County charter review Nov. 6: Election advance Nov. 8: Election Day |
At a recent City Council meeting, other members asked her to resign over allegations that she tore up an opponent’s campaign sign. But she said the council vote was politically motivated and there was no truth to the charge.
Michael Jones said he is running because the city needs the “best, most qualified” council members who can build consensus and do what is right for the city. He noted that he brings 25 years of banking experience, with a specialty in municipal finance.
“I will bring professionalism. I will bring integrity. I will bring common sense,” said Jones, a 15-year resident.
Jones is vice president and manager of the Seattle office of JP Morgan.
Position 2
Lorayne Ham, a political newcomer, said she is challenging Mayor Jerry Smith because the council is not listening to people. But Ham is not critical of her opponent’s performance, she said.
“I felt there are some people on the council that did not want to listen to the citizens,” said Ham, a resident for seven years. “Jerry is not that person.”
Smith, a resident for 34 years, is seeking a second term. The council has to make choices about the city’s future, including how to develop downtown and balance the budget, he said, and he is familiar with all the issues.
Smith, a retired Seattle police officer, is serving his second year as mayor.
Ham does not favor layoffs, but suggested the city think twice before hiring replacements when city workers leave.
“We have more employees than we need for (a city of) our population,” she said.
Position 3
Michelle Angrick and Eric Teegarden are running for the post. Maria Quinteiro, 42, is running as a write-in candidate.
Angrick emphasizes that a more robust business community would generate more retail and business tax revenue for the city.
“We need economic vitality to move the tax burden off residents,” said Angrick, an office administrator.
Teegarden, a landscape business owner, also wants to encourage businesses to stay and grow in the city. To attract new businesses and stimulate economic activity, he said he wants to reduce permit and business fees.
“Let’s generate a healthier economy and a healthier community,” Teegarden said.
The tone of the race has changed since a public spat in August. Teegarden acknowledged that he made disparaging remarks about Angrick’s campaign signs while he was campaigning. Several people said a heated exchange took place.
Residents complained to the City Council because Teegarden and Angrick both serve on the city’s Community Policing Advisory Board and could have been dismissed by the council for conduct unbecoming a commissioner. Teegarden resigned as chairman of the policing board before the council met to consider the issue.
“It is essential to attack the issues, not the person. There are plenty of issues to attack,” Teegarden said.
Angrick agreed.
“I have learned a lot about myself and life,” she said. “When you go into situations, don’t lose your focus.”
Quinteiro decided to run because of the spat between the other two. Council members need to think on their feet and stay focused on the issues, she said.
If elected, her priority would be to promote positive business growth and maintain the small-town feel of Mountlake Terrace. She also wants to improve communication between residents and the council.
Position 4
Incumbent Doug Wittinger is facing Kyoko Wright.
Wittinger, 42, a senior engineering specialist for the Northshore Utility District, has been on the council four years.
Wright, 55, a real estate agent, is on the city’s planning commission.
Wittinger said one of his top priorities would be to balance the city budget without dipping into reserves. To reduce spending, the city should look at outsourcing more services, as was done with Fire District 1, he said. Wittinger also would like to reduce the number of paid consultants.
Wright said her top priority would be helping the city handle growth. She said her experience in real estate and in helping draw up the city’s comprehensive plan is key.
Wright said she would like to see development in the city’s downtown core, including retail space, condominiums and apartments.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
