An old political axiom maintains that nothing really heats up until after Labor Day.
If that’s true, Plateau voters are in for eight interesting weeks leading up to the Nov. 3 general election.
At the closest-to-home level, it’s the mayoral races that should draw most of the attention. In Enumclaw, two-term incumbent John Wise is being challenged by Liz Reynolds, who is completing her first term as a member of the City Council. The situation is similar in Black Diamond, where longtime mayor Howard Botts is challenged by Councilwoman Rebecca Olness.
There’s a distinct lack of drama in Buckley, where incumbent Pat Johnson is unopposed in her bid for another term. In Wilkeson, Donna Hogerhuis is the only candidate on the ballot and will replace Janet Kepka.
In Enumclaw, there’s just one city council race. Chasing the Position 7 seat are former councilman Sean Krebs and newcomer Cleet Christianson. Indumbents Kevin Mahelona and Michael Ennis are unopposed as they seek another term and former councilman Glen Jensen will return to the council in the Position 1 seat, running unopposed.
Buckley council races will have incumbent Cristi Boyle Barrett squaring off against Marvin Sundstrom for the Position 2 seat and incumbent Mark McNally facing Bryan Howard for the Position 7 seat. Running unopposed are incumbents Randy Reed and Melissa Patson; Doug Harple is not being challenged in the bid for the Position 3 seat.
In Black Diamond, voters will choose between Jim Kuzaro and William Sass for the Position 4 seat; they were the top two finishers during the August primary election. For Position 2, Black Diamond voters will decide between incumbent Geoff Bowie and challenger Craig Goodwin.
Carbonado has one city council race for voters to decide. Position 1 has Sandi Carlson and Joseph King running. In the Position 2 race, Kevin Vesey is the lone name on the ballot.
At the King County level, local voters will help decide the District 9 race. In the primary, incumbent Reagan Dunn took more than 70 percent of the vote; also advancing was Beverly Harison Tonda with about 20 percent.
Voters throughout the county will choose a new executive. Surviving the primary election were political newcomer Susan Hutchison and current county councilman Dow Constantine.
There are two seats on the Enumclaw School Board on the November ballot, but nothing for voters to choose. Incumbents Cathy Dahlquist and Chris Van Hoof are unopposed.
There are several key dates on the fall calendar as voters gear up for the general election.
• Oct. 5 – Last day to change registration online or by mail and update residential address.
• Oct. 9 – Voters’ pamphlets mailed.
• Oct. 14 – Voters’ pamphlets mailed.
• Oct. 16 – Ballot drop boxes open to receive ballots.
• Oct. 26– Last day for new voters in Washington to register to vote in-person at King County Elections.
• Nov. 3 – Ballots must be postmarked or returned at a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. to be counted.
To comment on this story view it online at www.courierherald.com. Reach Kevin Hanson at khanson@courierherald.com or 360-802-8205.
