Lynnwood voters have a crystal clear choice in the mayoral election. Mike McKinnon is the candidate capable of leading the city in the future.
The 12-year city council member has the community involvement and dedication to lead the city in healthy directions as it plans for the future. His business experience, as a certified public accountant, offers reason to believe that he will be a careful, responsible decision-maker in handling the city’s budget matters.
McKinnon emerged as the leading vote-getter from a crowded primary field, filled with council members. Several of his opponents had long seemed to hold a belief that they could do the job better than the city’s gift mayor for the past eight years, Tina Roberts-Martinez, a fact that led to enormous wasted energy by the council. In fact, she will be difficult to replace.
To his great credit, McKinnon has supported the current mayor in fights provoked by the second-guessing clique among his fellow council members. His capacity for a positive, reasoned approach was undoubtedly a factor in McKinnon’s pre-primary endorsement by Roberts-Martinez’s predecessor, former Mayor M.J. Hrdlicka.
McKinnon will face challenges in growing into the office of mayor. Over the years, his skills and temperament have never seemed particularly suited to administration. But his tendency to become emotionally engaged in arguments should be balanced by his consistent capacities for good humor and fair-mindedness. Those will be assets that can make him a good leader for a city work force that he already values. Add, too, his obvious dedication to the welfare of his community over the years, both as a council member and an active volunteer in various groups, including youth sports and church activities. That will help carry McKinnon and the city through any early adjustment period.
Even many who have sometimes disagreed with McKinnon have recognized his dedication to the city and to public service. Especially given the often dysfunctional situations created by the council, McKinnon could face a difficult transition period as mayor. But Lynnwood should be well served by the high character, commitment and business skills he will bring.
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