Mill Creek Mayor Terry Ryan will face a challenge from a political newcomer this fall.
Mayor Ryan and Brady Austin, a 2003 graduate of Jackson High School, were among the first candidates to officially make their bid for public office when the five-day filing period began Monday, July 25 at the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office. Both are seeking position 1 on the City Council, which is currently held by Ryan.
Ryan, who has served as Mayor for six years, will be seeking a third term on the City Council during this fall’s elections.
Austin is a student at the University of Washington, planning to major in either business or economics. He is the son of former Mayor and two-term Council member Tim Austin.
A life-long Mill Creek resident, Brady Austin said in a news release that he is most concerned with public safety, growth, traffic congestion, transportation, parks and recreation, and economic development. He also hopes his candidacy will motivate younger voters to get involved in the political process.
In addition, Mayor Pro-tem Donna Michelson, Council member John Hudgins and interim Council member Mike Todd also filed with the county for this fall’s election. Todd’s position is a two-year term that became open when John “Jack” Start passed away in April.
Although no one had filed to challenge Todd as of The Enterprise’s deadline on Wednesday afternoon, he will likely face a challenge from former Council member Steven Hypse for the seat. Hypse has already filed all campaign finance paperwork with the state Public Disclosure Commission, but had not filed with the county. Incumbent Council member Mary Kay Voss was in a similar situation at press time.
Other filings as of The Enterprise’s deadline on Wednesday afternoon included:
Everett School Board member Kristin “Kristie” Dutton, who is currently vice president of the board, filed for re-election on Monday.
Alayna Martin, Anne Backstrom and Roger Summy all filed for Silver Lake Water commissioner position 3. Martin and Summy are Everett residents, while Backstrom lives in Snohomish.
A primary will take place for Fire District 1 commissioner, position 3. Two Lynnwood residents, Christopher Glenn and David Chan, filed for the position, as did Lisa Hopp of Heatherwood West, a neighborhood proposed for annexation into Mill Creek. The seat is currently held by Joan Miller of Edmonds.
Don Andrews filed to retain his seat on the Fire District 7 commission.
For Alderwood Water District commissioner, John Malone and Larry Jones, both of Bothell, filed for positions 3 and 4, respectively.
Mill Creek City Council member Mark Bond and Fire District 1 commissioner Jim Kenny, meanwhile, both filed to run for the Charter Review Commission out of District 4. The commission’s duty is to review the structure of county government, working to ensure that government is prepared to be responsive to the county’s citizens.
The Charter Review Commission will be elected by a non-partisan, open ballot in the general election. The top three vote-getters in each County Council district will be elected to form the 15-member commission.
The filing period for public office ends at 5 p.m. today, Friday, July 29.
Enterprise writers Sue Waldburger and Jennifer Aaby contributed to this report.
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