Lake Stevens residents have been well served by their city council and voters should send incumbents Jack Blackwell, Neal Dooley and Glenn McLoughlin back for another term in positions 1, 2 and 7, respectively. All three candidates want a balance between promoting smart economic growth, improving streets and sidewalks and protecting the environment.
Blackwell is running for a third term. In the next couple of years he’d like to focus more on infrastructure — overlaying streets and improving and building sidewalks in some areas. His opponent, Julie Estep, is focusing on accountable government and city finances.
Dooley said he thinks the Growth Management Act could save some rural areas. He’d also like to see the city benefit from bringing in some commercial and light industrial business to the area. His opponent, citizen activist Richard Maddalena, is concerned about the welfare of the downtown and retail sector and would like the city to focus on strengthening that before taking on other projects.
Glenn McLoughlin is excited about the economic development projects facing the city and would like to see the library project through to its completion. His opponent, Carlene Wagner, said it’s time for some new blood on the council.
Both Estep and Wagner have husbands who currently serve on the council. Larry Wagner is running unopposed for Position 6. Voters should note that if Estep and Carlene Wagner won their seats, it would give two families in the city four of the seven council votes — a majority on every issue should they decide to vote the same.
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