Past heralds an interesting future

Gazing at the past can be entertaining, but not too useful unless it’s used as perspective for trying to peer into the future.

This fall’s local elections brought change in nearly all quarters. Some cities did see stability through the ballot box, but for them, that will likely bring change.

Here’s a look back, and forward:

Shoreline

Voters decided enough was enough for two very familiar names, Bob Ransom and Maggie Fimia, while another, Rich Gustafson, made that decision on his own. With three new names – Terry Scott, Chris Eggen and Doris McConnell – on the council, Shoreline residents will have plenty to keep an eye on.

Edmonds

While the city kept its mayor, the race took out perhaps its most dynamic councilmember, Mauri Moore, who gave up her seat to unsuccessfully take on Gary Haakenson. DJ Wilson steps in to fill her spot with as much energy and more political savvy. With environmentalist Stephen Bernheim unseating stalwart Richard Marin, the ingredients here are different. Just what comes out of the oven could be a surprise.

Mill Creek

While Mark Harmsworth takes over for retiring Dale Hensley, don’t expect much upheaval on council nights. However, city residents will get all they can handle with increasing densities, traffic and a new shopping center on the eastern flank.

Lynnwood/Mountlake Terrace

Lots of contested races and campaign rhetoric turned into just one new face, Stephanie Wright, for an open seat in Lynnwood. While the voters may have liked their incumbents, that doesn’t mean status quo.

Both cities have serious downtown core redevelopment projects just waiting for someone to write a check and fire up the bulldozer. When that happens, the incumbents may wish they hadn’t been so lucky.

Lake Forest Park

These voters got their holiday present early, with just one open seat and two well-qualified candidates. With the Towne Center project on the horizon, the forecast looks sunny.