By Pat Jenkins The Dispatch Three Eatonville Town Council seats are on the ballot for the general election, but only one is giving voters a choice. Nick Junka and Robert Thomas are the candidates for the position that Councilman Branden Pierce is giving up by not seeking re-election. Two other council incumbents -¡GÇô Abby Gribi and James Schrimpsher GÇô have no one running against them in their bids for new four-year terms. Also unopposed is the town's treasurer, Lori Smith, who is running for the first time for the office she was appointed to as the replacement for then-treasurer Mike Schaub after he was elected mayor. Ballots will be mailed to voters Oct. 15 by the Pierce County elections department. Nov. 3 will be the final day voters can return them with their choices. Junka and Thomas are making Eatonville's municipal finances and local economy a focal point of their campaigns. "I will be open about what is needed to be done in order to maintain a balanced budget and work to provide services for the community,GÇ¥ Junka said. He also wants to increase sales tax revenue in Eatonville and create local jobs through "a common-sense, business-friendly environment.GÇ¥ Junka, who has worked in sales and management roles, said he can help "bring people together to work for a common goal.GÇ¥ Thomas has stated that the town needs creative economic initiatives that he believes would improve the community, sustain public services and provide long-term revenue sources "without resorting to regressive levy requests.GÇ¥ He also calls for more civic engagement through the council. Thomas served in the Air Force as a master sergeant.
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