Haakenson will run for a second term

  • Katherine Schiffner<br>For the Enterprise
  • Monday, February 25, 2008 7:56am

EDMONDS — Mayor Gary Haakenson announced Monday he’ll run for a second term this fall, saying he wants to continue seeking solutions to the city’s budget problems.

“There are some changes that need to be made, and we need to find a different way to do business. I want to be part of that process,” he said.

The city was forced to cut about 40 jobs in December to cover a shortfall of $1.38 million in this year’s budget, and Edmonds is expected to face a $900,000 deficit next year.

Haakenson, 55, said he’s working with Edmonds City Council members and city department directors to make changes and find funding solutions.

The mayor also said he’s worked hard to improve City Hall’s public image, reaching out to residents with a newspaper column, improved cable coverage of council meetings and more communication.

“People feel that they have someone who will really listen to their issues,” Haakenson said, adding that residents have called, e-mailed and stopped him on the street to urge him to run.

Haakenson, who co-founded a young men’s clothing chain before selling all but 10 percent of the business in 1993, said his business experience has helped him run the city well.

“After three-plus years as Edmonds’ mayor, I believe I have followed through on what I promised the voters,” Haakenson said.

No other candidates have announced a run for the mayor’s office.

Haakenson, who served two terms on the council before he was elected mayor in 1999, will join three council members on the ballot.

Lora Petso, Richard Marin and David Orvis will seek second terms. The three said the city’s economic difficulties were part of their decisions to run again for the seven-member council.

“There’s so much we need to sort out. The big one is the financial issues,” said Petso, 40. “We’ve really got to get the city on more solid financial footing.”

Marin, 57, said if he’s elected to a second term, he’d continue working on Edmonds’ economic development.

“The whole reason for my interest in economic development is to expand our tax base to offset the pressure on property taxes,” he said.

Orvis said he’d keep his focus on low taxes, quality public safety services and protecting neighborhoods.

“I’ve had a good record on all three of those points, and I want to continue working on those issues,” he said.

Longtime council president Dave Earling will give up his seat to run for Snohomish County executive, but said he’s pleased Haakenson is running again.

The mayor “has done an excellent job in very tough financial times of keeping the city pointed in a positive direction,” Earling said.

Katherine Schiffner is a reporter for the Herald in Everett.

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