Democratic newcomer challenges House Republican
In what has chalked up as one of the friendliest races of the year, 10th Legislative District incumbent Norma Smith is defending the Position 1 seat from challenger Aaron Simpson.
Smith, R-Clinton, has held the seat since her appointment in late 2007. A former writer and operations manager for a communications firm, Smith’s political achievements include terms on the South Whidbey School Board and six years as special assistant to the late Congressman Jack Metcalf.
By comparison, Simpson, a Democrat from Langley, is a political newcomer with no experience in public office.
South Whidbey Fire/EMS pushes for lid lift
South Whidbey Fire/EMS has a 15-cent levy lid lift on the November General Election ballot to support its volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician program. If passed, this would be the first voter-approved funding increase for the fire district in 23 years.
District 1 candidates reveal a study in contrasts
Who to choose?
Political newcomer Jeff Lauderdale or incumbent Island County Commissioner Helen Price Johnson couldn’t be more different in their views about how Island County government should be run.
Lauderdale, a Republican, believes the board’s priorities are askew, that in a time when revenue is scarce, law and justice needs should be satisfied above all else.
Differences stark in District 2 Commissioner race
The tension between the two candidates vying to represent North Whidbey residents on the Board of Island County Commissioners started before either of them ran for public office.
The city of Oak Harbor was considering a measure that would have lead to a large development on the south end of the city.
Bailey aims to dislodge Haugen
For the first time in two decades, state Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen faces an uphill battle against an election opponent who can match her both in campaign dollars and name recognition.
The 10th Legislative District Democrat was bested by 5 percentage points in the August primary election by Republican state Rep. Barbara Bailey. They were the only candidates on the primary ballot.
The race is one of three Senate contests statewide that could tilt control of that body to Republicans. Bailey, 68, has made that prospect a centerpiece of her campaign.
Ballots on their way to Island County voters
Check your mailbox!
If you are a registered voter in Island County, your ballot is on its way and should arrive within the next day or two. Approximately 46,000 General Election ballots were mailed out by Island County Auditor Sheilah Crider on Wednesday, Oct. 17.
Matthews challenges Larsen for Congressional seat
It wasn’t even a close call for U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen. He’s in favor of the proposed Cherry Point coal terminal in Bellingham for one reason – jobs.
“Jobs are the driving force behind my whole campaign,” says the 2nd Congressional District Democrat who is seeking a seventh term in the House.
Hayes, Riggs vie for open Dist. 10 House seat
The reapportionment of the 10th Legislative District left it much as it was before – a swing district evenly divided between Republican and Democratic voters.
The race to fill the open House seat in the 10th features two civil servants from opposing parties.
Election forums scheduled
The League of Women Voters of Whidbey Island will host several candidate forums.
The first features candidates vying for Island County and state elected office and begins at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge, 155 NE Ernst Street.
Candidate McKenna to make stop in Oak Harbor
Rob McKenna, Washington state Attorney General and Republican candidate for governor, will make a campaign stop in Oak Harbor later this month. He will by at Angelo’s Caffé, 670 SE Pioneer Way, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29.
