Last-minute filings prove interesting Monroe election season to come

By the end of the five-day candidate filing period at the Snohomish County Auditor's office last week, the political climate in Monroe was on the rise. This week, the Monroe Monitor & Valley News is taking a brief glimpse at the upcoming election season, with more in-depth coverage to follow.

Four positions on the Monroe City Council will be up for election this fall, with three incumbents seeking reelection. Additionally, Monroe resident and Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Somers announced his candidacy for the Snohomish County executive seat.-á

The at-large position

Councilmembers Jim Kamp, Ed Davis and Jason Gamble will all seek reelection. Councilmember Kurt Goering, who was elected to the council's at-large position in 2013, was ineligible for reelection due to an eight-year term limit.-á

Two candidates have come forward to run for the at-large position: Kirk Scarboro and Patrick Daniels. The at-large seat is the Monroe City Council's only two-year position.-á

Retired Navy SEAL Kirk Scarboro has lived in Monroe since 1994. In 1997, he went to work for the Monroe School District where he served as the transportation supervisor until his retirement in 2013. His opponent, Patrick Daniels, moved to Monroe 18 years ago to raise his family.-á

"Being on the City Council is an opportunity where I believe I can use my experience to continue to serve our community,GÇ¥ Daniels said.-á

Daniels works as a manager at the Topline Corp. in Bellevue, where he's worked for 26 years.

Position 6

Council Position No. 6 incumbent Jason Gamble will face challenger Patti Gibbons.-á

Gamble, who was first elected to office in 2011, has lived in Monroe since 2003. A University of Washington graduate, Gamble works in the communications industry and serves on the board of directors at the Monroe YMCA.-á

Gibbons is a newcomer to the political arena. She owns a business in downtown Monroe called Heavenly Soap (115-3/4 W. Main St.), and manages the Savoy Building (115 W. Main St.).-á

Gibbons has addressed the council in the past, providing input regarding downtown parking regulations.

"I want to give a voice to those that don't have one, bring a breath of fresh air to the council,GÇ¥ Gibbons said. "This is my first run at elected office. Living and working in the downtown core, I am aware of many issues that may be overlooked by others.GÇ¥ -á-á

Position 4-á

Council Position No. 4 incumbent Jim Kamp was appointed to serve a partial term of less than a year before being elected in 2011. Kamp served the City of Monroe as a volunteer and planning commissioner, prior to serving on the City Council.-á

During recent months, Kamp has hit the streets with Mayor Geoffrey Thomas on multiple occasions to obtain feedback from local businesses regarding the downtown parking configuration. He sided with business owners back in March, who were opposed to converting a portion of the downtown parking to parallel. -á

He will face challenger Shayne Bradley.-á

Many positions unopposed

Council Position No. 5 incumbent Ed Davis will run unopposed.

Monroe School District No. 103 incumbent directors Nancy Truitt Pierce and Katy Woods will both run unopposed.

Snohomish County Fire District No. 3 has two commissioner positions subject to election this year. Position No. 2 incumbent William Snyder will run unopposed. Position No. 5 incumbent Rick Edwards will face opponent Randy Woolery.-á

Woolery has been a volunteer firefighter for 26 years and is interested in becoming a commissioner to serve on a broader scale. He has 27 years in law enforcement in King County, where he holds a command-level position. Prior to entering law enforcement, he served in the U.S. Army.

The Monroe Fire Department is governed by a five-person commission, which is responsible for approving all fire department expenditures involving tax dollars. It also reviews department procedures, manages contracts, sets guidelines and oversees the fire chief. Fire Commissioners serve a six-year term.-á

Snohomish County Public Hospital No. 1 cadidates Alice Cabe, Greg Accetturo, Charles Strub and Steve Matauschak will all run unopposed.-á

Two seats on the East County Park and Recreation Commission are up for election. Monroe resident Tyler Poling is running against Commissioner Brian Moody for Position No. 5, and Daniel Williams is running unopposed for Position No. 4. The Parks and Recreation Commission serves to coordinate and manage parks and other recreational facilities within the boundaries of the district.