City elections in Sequim, Washington (November 2, 2021)

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2021 Clallam County elections
Election dates
	Filing deadline: May 21, 2021
	Primary election: August 3, 2021; General election: November 2, 2021
Election stats
	Offices up: ; Port Angeles (eight offices): ; City council 1, 2, 3, 4 ; Port commission 1, 2 ; Port Angeles School District Director 1, 2 ; ; Sequim (eleven offices): ; City council 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ; Sequim School District 2, 4 ; Clallam County District 1 Parks and Rec 1, 2 ; Sunland Water District 3 ; Fire District #3 Position No. 1; ; Forks (seven offices): ; City council 2, 3 ; Mayor ; Quillayute Valley School District Director District No. 2, 4 ; Quillayute Park and Recreation Board Commissioner 1 ; Fire District #6 Position No. 3
	Total seats up: 26;
	Election type: Nonpartisan
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Washington 2021 elections

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The city of Sequim, in Clallam County, Washington, is holding municipal elections in 2021. Primary elections were held on August 3. The general election is scheduled for November 2. All 2021 elections are nonpartisan races. Washington uses a top-two primary system, in which all candidates are listed on the same ballot. The top two vote-getters advance to the general election.^[1]

Sequim has eleven offices up for election, including seats on the city council, the school board, and the water district. Two of those races appeared on the primary ballot—the Sequim School District Director at Large, Position No. 4 and Fire District #3, Commissioner Position No. 1. In Clallam County, nonpartisan elections skip the primary and appear only on the general election ballot when fewer than three candidates file for the election or the office is a cemetery or parks and recreation district.^[2]

Sequim is Clallam County's second largest city, with a 2019 population of 7,640. Between 2010 and 2019, the population grew by 16.2%.^[3]

Click here to learn more about municipal elections in Clallam County.

News updates

The following articles cover the 2021 municipal elections in Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks. You will also find articles on Clallam County's political and electoral history and the history of bellwether counties in the United States. Scroll down to find a complete list.

November 8: General election results

Read this story on Ballotpedia News.

The cities of Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks, in Clallam County, Wa., held general elections for 26 municipal offices on Nov. 2. The primaries were held Aug. 3. The top two vote-getters in each race advanced to the general election. Races in which fewer than three candidates filed to run appeared only on the general election ballot.

Results of the races are pending. The Clallam County Auditor’s office releases updated vote totals on a daily basis until all ballots are counted. As of Nov. 5, the Auditor’s office estimated it had 50 ballots left to count and that it had counted a total of 27,045 ballots. Voter turnout was 47.31%.

Clallam County is located in the northwestern corner of Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula. It has the nation’s longest unbroken record of voting for the winning presidential candidate, going back to 1980. Since 1920, voters in the county backed the winning presidential candidate in every election except 1968 and 1976.

Port Angeles

Port Angeles, the county seat, had eight offices up for election in 2021, including four city council seats and two seats on the school board. Six of those races were contested and two were uncontested.

Incumbents were on the ballot in seven of the eight races, including in all four city council races. As of Nov. 5, all incumbents look to have won re-election. In two city council races, the margins separating the candidates are below 5% but the incumbents are leading in votes.

Here are the results:

City Council Position No. 1: Incumbent LaTrisha Suggs faced challenger Adam Garcia. As of Nov. 5, Suggs leads Garcia by 2.54% (159 votes).
City Council Position No. 2: Incumbent Mike French defeated challenger John Madden, winning 58.92% of the vote to Madden’s 40.82%.
City Council Position No. 3: Incumbent Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin ran for re-election against challenger Jena Stamper. As of Nov. 5, Schromen-Wawrin leads Stamper by 1.87% (117 votes).
City Council Position No. 4: Incumbent Kate Dexter defeated challenger John W. Procter, winning 53.43% of the vote to Procter’s 46.28%
School District Director Position No. 1: Incumbent Sarah Methner defeated challenger Lola Moses, winning 54.23% of the vote to Moses’ 44.97%.
School District Director Position No. 2: Mary Herbert defeated Gabi Johnson. Herbert won 56.98% of the vote to Johnson’s 42.64%.

Two seats up for election in Port Angeles in 2021 were uncontested: Port of Port Angeles Commissioner District No. 1 and Port of Port Angeles Commissioner District No. 2. Only the incumbents—Colleen McAleer and Steven Burke—filed to run. They were re-elected.

Sequim

Sequim had eleven offices up for election, including five of seven city council seats. Seven of those races were contested. Incumbents appeared on the ballot in eight races, including in all five city council races. Five incumbents won re-election. Incumbents lost in three of the five city council races.

City Council Position No. 2: Challenger Kathy Downer defeated incumbent Sarah Kincaid, winning 69.61% of the vote to Kincaid’s 30.23%
City Council Position No. 3: Challenger Vicki L. Lowe defeated incumbent Mike Pence. She won 68.17% of the vote to Pence’s 31.71%.
City Council Position No. 4: Incumbent Rachel Anderson defeated challenger Daryl Ness, winning 67.63% of the vote to Ness’ 32.25%.
City Council Position No. 5: incumbent Brandon Janisse defeated challenger Patrick Day, winning 65.86% of the vote to Day’s 33.86%.
City Council Position No. 6: Lowell Rathbun defeated incumbent Keith A. Larkin. Rathbun won 65.28% of the vote to Larkin’s 34.57%.
School District Director at Large, Position No. 4: Kristi Schmeck defeated Virginia R. Sheppard. This race is a multi-county race that includes both Clallam County and Jefferson County. Schmeck won 55.93% of the overall vote, while Sheppard won 42.72%.
Fire District #3, Commissioner Position No. 1: Jeff Nicholas defeated Duane Chamlee. This race is a multi-county race that includes both Clallam County and Jefferson County. Nicholas won 64.78% of the overall vote, compared to Chamlee’s 34.82%.

Four races in Sequim were uncontested. The Sequim School District Director District No. 2 was the only one that didn’t feature an incumbent. Patrice Johnston was elected to that seat. In the other uncontested races—Park and Recreation Commissioner Position No. 1, Park and Recreation Commissioner Position No. 2, and Sunland Water District Commissioner Position No. 3—the incumbents won re-election. Those incumbents are Ray L. Henninger, Frank Pickering, and Alan Frank, respectively.

Forks

Seven offices were up for election in Forks. Three of those races were contested.

Incumbents appeared on the ballot in six races, two of which were contested. All incumbents won re-election in Forks.

Forks City Council Position No. 2: Clinton W. Wood defeated Josef Echeita, winning 65.98% of the vote. Echeita won 33.86%.
Forks City Council Position No. 3: Incumbent Joe Soha defeated challenger Sarah Holmes. Soha won 66.99% of the vote to Holmes’ 32.03%.
Forks Mayor: Incumbent Tim Fletcher defeated challenger Steve Wright, winning 84.6% of the vote to Wright’s 12.7%.

Four races in Forks were uncontested—Quillayute Valley School District Director District No. 2, Quillayute Valley School District Director District No. 4, Quillayute Park and Recreation Board Commissioner Position No. 1, and Fire District #6 Position No. 3. The incumbents—Kevin Hinchen, Ron Hurn, Donald Grafstrom, and Tom Rosmond, respectively—won re-election.

October 18: Meet the 2021 Sequim City Council candidates (click [show] to read)

October 19: Meet the 2021 Forks mayoral candidates

Read this story on Ballotpedia News.

The city of Forks, in Clallam County, Wash., is holding municipal elections on Nov. 2, 2021. The mayor’s office is one of those seats up for election. The mayor serves a four-year term alongside five city council members.

Candidates submitted statements to the Washington Secretary of State when they filed a Declaration of Candidacy for use in the Voter’s Pamphlet. Responses are republished here. They have not been altered in any way.

Forks Mayor

Tim Fletcher (incumbent): “I am a WestEnd original. My family’s homestead still stands in the Hoh River Valley and I am also a tribal elder, which helps to find a clearer path to make our community more inclusive.

I will continue to work with new and established businesses to keep our city business friendly and find ways to bring back and keep timber related jobs.

I will continue to encourage the building of housing for workers that need short/long term places to live. This could be new homes for families of all sizes or working couples just starting out that need a basic starter home.

And with the community’s continued support, I will work for the future of Forks when it comes to making decisions about our community’s infrastructure as we plan for the growth of Forks.”

Steve Wright: “I’m a 35 year old disabled Native American veteran. I served in the US Army and US Air Force, I graduated from Evergreen State College with a degree in agrobiology and grant writing. I am a nature conservationist and agrobiologist; you can usually find me in the forest foraging for mushrooms, fishing, or farming with my children. I studied agrobiology extensively. I practice sustainable agriculture and offer assistance to anyone wanting to farm sustainably.

I am a medical patient. I use cannabis to alleviate my pain from service-connected injuries, and nausea from PTSD. I believe in protecting patients and legalizing psilocybin mushrooms for mental health treatments.

I believe political parties facilitate the consolidation of power and aide in shielding their members from criticism. I believe there is no fixing the two-party dominant system, and joining a political party would contribute to the problem. I believe candidates should stand on their own in publicly funded elections.

I believe we deserve healthcare without restriction and debt, college without debt, an infrastructure that is sustainable and ecologically safe, equitable justice, and an economy that works for everyone.”

Clallam County is holding municipal elections in its three cities—Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks— in 2021. Twenty-six offices are up for election in those cities.

October 18: Meet the 2021 Sequim City Council candidates (click [show] to read)

Meet the 2021 Sequim City Council candidates

Read this story on Ballotpedia News.

Sequim, in Clallam County, Wash., is holding municipal elections on Nov. 2, 2021. Five city council seats are up for election this year. In total, the Sequim City Council is composed of seven members who serve four-year terms.

Candidates submitted statements to the Washington Secretary of State when they filed a Declaration of Candidacy for use in the Voter’s Pamphlet. Responses are republished here. They have not been altered in any way.

Sequim City Council Position No. 2

Sarah Kincaid (incumbent): “As a Sequim resident for 21 years, I understand our community and its needs. I care deeply about the future of Sequim because my history here gives me a “citizen’s” voice from the people, for the people. As a city councilwoman I voted to support small businesses and families by using rainy day funds during COVID, and ‘no’ to utility rate increases in 2021.

I advocate cutting red tape and reducing fees, helping Sequim become more business-friendly, reaching out to bring more small- to medium size businesses offering more employment opportunities for our citizens, while maintaining our “small town” atmosphere.

I understand and promote the need for enhanced medical care and a 24/7 emergency clinic.

I am married with two grown children and 3 grandchildren.

Our lives are greatly influenced by local government. We need to pay attention to it and elect individuals who will truly represent us. I believe government should be transparent and accountable. In these challenging times, we need to spend less, not more, to keep more money in the pockets of the people. I promise to continue to do just that, and I ask for your vote.”

Kathy Downer: “As a councilwoman I served as the liaison to the Traffic, Alternative Transportation, Storm Water, and Brick Streets. I was a member of Main Street. ( for downtown businesses).

My husband retired as a small businessman, and we traveled across the country to live in beautiful Sequim. Three out of four of our adult children settled here with us and appreciate all of the outdoor activities Sequim has to offer.

I was in the Sequim City wide Christmas Choir in 2019, and I volunteer at Trinity United Methodist Church.

Local politics matter. We need a council made up of people dedicated to transparency, and accessibility. They need to represent all of the citizens of Sequim, and not just the people who voted for them.

I feel that my background will make me a good council member on the Sequim City Council.”

Sequim City Council Position No. 3

Mike Pence (incumbent): “I’ve served on the Sequim City Council for a year-plus, and it has been very productive in restoring city government to the people of Sequim. We have made progress in addressing affordable housing and public safety. We have changed the zoning downtown to encourage multi-unit housing development. We’ve also navigated much needed improvements to Fir Street and we even enacted water and sewer rate reductions for low-income people.

My hands-on experience in government management and processes have greatly benefited the council. Priorities for my next term include: a satellite 24/7 emergency room; encouraging cost effective housing by reducing building fees so it is more feasible for development to occur; reducing regulations and fees to encourage businesses to locate in Sequim; supporting Police, Fire and EMS due to increases in homelessness and the upcoming opening of the Medically Assisted Treatment clinic.

With your support, we can continue the progress we all have worked so hard for in Sequim. It is time for Sequim to have common sense leadership combined with a professional background. I have the experience and passion to see our town thrive.

Let’s continue having Sequim be a great place to live.”

Vicki L. Lowe: “I am a lifelong resident of Sequim, having worked and raised my children here. The role of the city government is to represent every city resident. I feel my perspective will add a voice not currently heard on our City Council. As a council member, I want to ensure that issues, goals, and priorities are thoughtfully understood, ensuring that decisions made consider both public interest and impact. It is also vital for the City Government to build ties to and connections with other organizations in Clallam County to serve the needs of our citizens. City Councilors need to act as innovators, role models, conduits for information exchange, and “positive disruptors.” Problem solving happens when we listen to hear each other and come to reasonable solutions.

Sequim Citizens should have a choice for who represents them. My life and work experience here in Sequim, my connection to people in the community who might not feel represented will help me bring another perspective to the table. I want to serve my community, please vote for me for Sequim City Council Position #3.”

Sequim City Council Position No. 4

Rachel Anderson (incumbent): “In my work on city council, I have seen what our challenges are, and I want to keep working on them. My main concerns are workforce housing, small business sustainability, and mental health advocacy. I also have high expectations for integrity and transparency in government. By listening to each other and exploring issues, we’ll find much to agree about, and we’ll find better solutions that work for more people.

I am honored that the council appointed me. As a young, low-income parent, I bring a unique perspective to the council. My work as a volunteer and on boards of non-profits, like OlyCAP, has prepared me for this service, and I am digging in. I am passionate about this work and I’ve shown my dedication to service. Growing up in Sequim, I had challenges at home and the schools and community gave me the support I needed. Now, I’m ready to give back to the community that has given me so much.

I am asking for your vote so that I can keep serving you. It’s time for us to come together to make Sequim better. For more information, visit https://rachelandersonfors.wixsite.com/rachelforsequim.”

Daryl Ness: “My wife and I love Sequim, especially the people. Since my retirement, I am hoping to put my business experience to good use. My experience in managing large budgets with multiple work groups has provided me an edge in large project success. I enjoy building teams to accomplish the goals we set and have experience in measuring progress to affirm direction.

I worked for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad as a conductor/switchman/yardmaster for 13 years. Later, I was in management for 24 years. I started as a management first line supervisor with BNSF. After working 12 different management positions, I retired as General Manager of the Northwest Division in Seattle, which manages Washington, Oregon, Idaho and parts of Canada. After retiring from BNSF Railroad, I was Chief Operating Officer for Peninsula Terminal Railroad in Portland for four years, retiring in 2019.

I have a great deal to contribute to the City of Sequim and the surrounding area. I am ready to serve Sequim’s citizens in elective office.

I love sports. I am a member of the Sequim Picklers (pickleball), belong to Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course and also play senior softball.”

Sequim City Council Position No. 5

Brandon Janisse (incumbent): “For over 20 years I have been a Sequim citizen, with a few of those years, serving in the United States Army. For the past 4 years I have been fighting on behalf of Sequim’s families, as a Councilman. I am proud of the many accomplishments we have achieved together; however, there is still work to be done. I am running for re-election to continue my fight in delivering good paying jobs, affordable housing and transparent government. Currently the city council is majority appointed and experience matters. I am a husband, father and a devoted servant to my constituents. I put in 20-30 hours a week as a city councilor and my door is always open. I have testified before the state legislator and work hard on behalf of Sequim citizens each day. I achieved my Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from ACW and will continue to seek out learning and growth opportunities. I currently or have served on the Planning Commission, Clallam Transit Board, the Finance Committee and the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Service to my community is my passion. I am proud of my record while serving you and would be honored to earn your vote.”

Patrick Day: “Experience matters. I joined the military right out of high school, eventually becoming an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Expert serving in the Gulf War. Following a hiatus working for the Brinks Armored Car service, I returned to public service as a Peace Officer for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation serving 27 years. I became active in the California Correctional Peace Officer Association, our state and local union. I am currently an elected trustee for the CCPOA Health and Welfare Benefit Trust.

I have acquired many skills in problem-solving, crisis management, and conflict resolution from my years of public service and union activities. Together, they have given me great wisdom and experience in dealing with people issues and finding resolution to those issues. I wish to employ those skills by continuing my life of service to the people of Sequim.

I believe our police, fire and all city workers should be fully supported. All city business must be conducted in an efficient and transparent manner. I will work hard to help grow Sequim in a manner that ensures this beautiful city is free and safe from big city problems so this city stays beautiful for all citizens and guests.”

Sequim City Council Position No. 6

Keith A. Larkin: “My previous experience of public service in wildfire fighting and prevention, have prepared me well to serve the people of Sequim by seeking solutions that represent their will in all matters that come before the Council. I have held critical leadership positions with substantial budgetary authority, including Chief Administrator of a 110-man inmate Conservation Camp with a $10M budget; and Fire Chief, Fresno County with a $30M budget. My final posting as Senior Executive – Deputy Chief Northern Region which spanned 22 counties and 12 executive managers required collaboration with state and local agencies from diverse disciplines and interests including Emergency Management, Public Safety, Tribal Leadership, Community Groups, Military, Transportation, Utilities and Support Services. I seek open and diverse communications to reach effective decisions that reflect the will of the citizens. I vow to proactively collaborate with my fellow councilors, seek information from the community, be well educated on the issues and to serve with the highest level of integrity.

My priorities in office are: public safety first; encourage manageable growth including affordable housing, good stewardship of the taxpayer’s dollars, cultivate small businesses, enhance the development of our youth, maintain our small-town appeal, and promote tourism to our City.”

Lowell Rathbun: “I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for 25 years, 4 of them in Sequim. I was originally drawn to learn more about the Sequim city government during the controversy over the tribal Healing Clinic. I discovered that a city was happening here, and I wanted to help.

I believe it is important to help restore trust between Sequim’s citizens and their elected officials. Lately the city has lost its exceptionally qualified city manager under circumstances that remain unexplained. As result, there has been a loss of trust between the public and our city council. Being open about my intentions, listening to you, the voter, and responding honestly will be a good beginning in restoring trust on our council. It is crucial that we maintain a firewall between politics and the day-to-day management of Sequim.

Good government is about helping people. It is urgent for Sequim to find effective solutions to the acute problem of available and affordable workforce housing. Increasing human services, especially to our homeless population, and providing broadband service to all our citizens are examples of how Sequim can help people. Assisting the viability of small businesses, increasing local prosperity helps everyone.”

Clallam County is holding municipal elections in its three cities—Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks— in 2021. Twenty-six offices are up for election in those cities.

October 18: Meet the 2021 Forks City Council candidates (click [show] to read)

Read this story on News.

Forks, in Clallam County, Wash., is holding municipal elections on Nov. 2, 2021. Two city council seats are up for election this year. In total, the Sequim City Council is composed of five members and a mayor who serve four-year terms.

Candidates submitted statements to the Washington Secretary of State when they filed a Declaration of Candidacy for use in the Voter’s Pamphlet. Responses are republished here. They have not been altered in any way.

Forks City Council Position No. 2

Clinton W. Wood: “I grew up in this community enjoying our beautiful natural resources. After serving our country I moved back, met my wife and we started a family. I feel truly blessed for having been raised in such a close-knit community and can’t think of a better place to raise a family. I am proud to be a member of this community and would be honored to serve Forks.

My position as the Director of Facilities at Forks Community Hospital has given me many opportunities to work with the city, county, and state. I ensure that Forks Community Hospital is compliant with regulations such as building codes, life safety codes, Revised Codes of Washington State (RCW) and Washington Administrative Codes (WAC). I have also been involved with multiple Community Development Block Grants that have benefitted our community. I have conducted many environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). As the Director of Facilities, I oversee a budget of 3 million dollars. I believe with my background and experience I would be an asset as a member of the Forks City Council.

With your vote, I look forward to serving this community.”

Josef Echeita: “My name is Josef Echeita and I am running for Forks City Council Position 2. I was raised in Forks and graduated from Forks High School in 2006. I moved back to Forks in in 2011 and have started to raise my own children here.

I had a great experience growing up in the city of Forks. I have made the choice to raise my kids here in Forks because I believe that this city is still the best place to raise a family. I want to work to keep Forks a place that is desirable to live. I believe this will be done through a continued positive relationship with local law enforcement and promoting programs targeting positive youth activities.

A vote for Josef Echeita for City Council is a vote for a candidate that believes in this town and knows what it is capable of. Please feel free to reach out to me with questions or concerns through Facebook (search @echeitaforcouncil or go to facebook.com/echeitaforcouncil) or via email at josefecheita@gmail.com”

Forks City Council Position No. 3

Joe Soha (incumbent) did not submit a candidate statement to the Washington Secretary of State.

Sarah Holmes: “Sarah Holmes is an Independent Progressive Conservative. She is an advocate for justice, individual freedoms, ethical governing, and unbiased politics. Sarah will strive to ensure that the residents of Forks are heard and that the decisions of their government are the collective decisions of its people.

Sarah is a mother of four, with children attending school in Forks. She’s the daughter of a family-operated business owner in Clallam County, and understands the importance of family, education, and a locally based economy. Growing up in rural towns in Washington State, she is a first-hand witness to economic disparities which are a primary cause for divide, and in so understands the need for a community-oriented government that functions well for all its citizens.

To keep Forks strong moving forward, it will be imperative to continually address topics which are relevant to the community and with respect to the future of our community, and to do so with integrity.”

Clallam County is holding municipal elections in its three cities—Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks— in 2021. Twenty-six offices are up for election in those cities.

October 15: Meet the 2021 Port Angeles City Council candidates (click [show] to read)

Meet the 2021 Port Angeles City Council candidates

Read this story on Ballotpedia News.

Port Angeles, in Clallam County, Wash., is holding municipal elections on Nov. 2, 2021. Four city council seats are up for election this year. In total, the Port Angeles City Council is composed of seven members who serve four-year terms.

Candidates submitted statements to the Washington Secretary of State when they filed a declaration of candidacy. Responses, which appear in the Washington Voter’s Pamphlet are republished as excerpts here. They have not been altered in any way.

Port Angeles City Council Position No. 1

LaTrisha Suggs (incumbent)': "I have lived in Port Angeles most of my life. I am from here. My mom, grandmother, great grandmother, and ancestors have lived here since time immemorial. I seek your support to continue serving this great community. I have three fabulous kids and two grandsons.

As a council member I supported expanding key programs like Rediscovery, Paramedicine, reinstated code enforcement, maintained flat utility rates, balanced budget, provided $790,000 in rental, mortgage and utility assistance to customers impacted financially by the pandemic. I supported efforts, saving the city millions by refinancing water and wastewater bonds, supported suspending interest and late fees on utility accounts, and waived parking and business improvement area fees.The next four years will require focus and stability to maintain a healthy City budget, support solutions to vexing issues and engaging leadership that strengthens our community partnerships, and work towards building new relationships. Areas of critical importance include affordable housing, homelessness, code updates, commercial district enhancement, build staffing capacity, building high-performing relationships, and working with partners to advocate for solutions that will help the childcare crisis, which was in crisis mode prior to the pandemic. The vision is to move towards solutions that work for our community.”

Adam Garcia: “Port Angeles has been my home since 1992, when I started 3rd grade at Jefferson Elementary. I grew up here, played in the parks here, I went to school here, met my wonderful wife here, and have chosen to raise my children here. The truth is that Port Angeles has changed, and not for the better. Crime, poverty, and drug use have grown out of control.

The tasks laid before the City Council and Staff are not easy, but they must be met with a balance of fiscal responsibility and compassion for every member of our city. It is going to take time to make the big changes that are required for our city to prosper, but that doesn’t mean that we should ignore the problems in the present. We must come together and make common sense decisions that begin to address the issues at hand. We must insure that our community is safe, we need to work on our streets and infrastructure while remaining fiscally sound.

Let’s move Port Angeles in the right direction so that our children can experience the safe and beautiful Port Angeles we all remember.”

Port Angeles City Council Position No. 2

Mike French (incumbent): “Port Angeles has been my lifelong home, and I intend to work tirelessly to make it the best it can be. My vision is to provide a safe and healthy environment for all, including a robust economy, good roads, affordable housing and utilities, and a thriving business community. I’ve been an elected representative on the City Council for four years, and we’ve made considerable progress on these and other issues. We’ve engaged the Chamber of Commerce in our Capital Facility Plan and contracted with them to develop a collaborative strategic plan for our downtown. We’ve passed citywide zoning reforms and tax incentives to encourage affordable housing development. We’ve partnered with local institutions like Peninsula Housing Authority and the Olympic Peninsula Community Clinic to move our unhoused population into secure permanent housing. We’ve reduced the burden on local law enforcement by pairing social workers with police officers, finding productive solutions to difficult situations on the street.

There is still considerable work to do; our City continues to face a variety of challenges. I am committed to facing these challenges and devoting the time and effort required to serve the citizens of Port Angeles, and I ask for your vote. Thank you.”

John Madden: “People are frustrated with their Government. People are feeling forgotten. It is time to involve the public in their Government at a new level. I hope to invite open conversations with the Citizens of Port Angeles in a variety of settings, including a monthly meet and greet at a local coffee shop. I am passionate about addressing the day-to-day challenges that face Port Angeles small businesses struggling to make sense of the ever changing political landscape.

2020 was a confusing time in our County. Our awareness of the issues that divide us must be met with constructive and restorative energies. Small businesses have more similarities than differences, and there needs to be a constructive thread drawn around them to strengthen the fabric of our City.

As a former President of both a local Kiwanis Club and Lions Club, I have the experience in leadership, with community service as core.

I believe that leadership is found in service to others.

I hope you will come to my Coffee Corral, if not City Council meetings, and help me shape our Community one issue at a time.”

Port Angeles City Council Position No. 3

Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin (incumbent): “I was born and raised in Port Angeles. I love this place that we all call home.

I’m honored to serve the people of Port Angeles on City Council, where my skills and experience support the the Council’s core work: policy and planning to keep Port Angeles affordable for young people, working families, and elders, and improve everyone’s quality of life.

Over the last four years on City Council, we’ve revived the code enforcement program that previous Councils cut; supported our Police and Fire Departments’ proactive and cost saving intervention programs; removed regulatory barriers to affordable housing and childcare development; kept utility rates stable; and supported small businesses and distressed residents during the pandemic.

As a representative of the people of Port Angeles, I work toward creating a City that values government transparency, community dialogue, and collaboration; spends our tax dollars efficiently; fosters a local economy that works for everyone; and solves tough problems like substance abuse, affordable housing, and homelessness. This work requires all of us working together to make Port Angeles a safe place for everyone to live, work, and play.

I’d be honored to receive your vote to continue this work on your City Council. Thank you.”

Jena Stamper: “I am a native of Port Angeles and, having attended K- 12 schools here, I know what Port Angeles used to be and I know the untapped potential that is has. I have the vision and passion to help it return to its previous glory and beyond. A local business owner and active member of our community, I am acutely aware of the struggles and concerns that our community members are facing.

A thriving business community is essential to the long-term health of our city. Not only does the business community provide the economic foundation for our city, it supports local teams, youth programs, and many worthwhile community projects of great impact.

I want to be an advocate for our youth and invest in our parks and community events that help give our community members and youth purpose.

I want to a champion for safe streets for our citizens, support our law enforcement and help them find sustainable ways to deal with the ever-increasing homeless population, while also encouraging code and local ordinance enforcement.

I whole heartedly care about this city and want to be a true representative of the people of Port Angeles. Your vote matters.”

Port Angeles City Council Position No. 4

Kate Dexter (incumbent): “Serving on city council for these past four years has been a tremendous honor. We have accomplished a great deal as a city. There’s much yet to be achieved. I look forward to continuing this work thanks to your vote.

Under my leadership as mayor, I have worked tirelessly with my fellow council members and city staff to set appropriate and meaningful agendas, lead discussions effectively and professionally, and ensure that everyone has a chance to be heard, even during the Covid-19 pandemic and all the challenges it presented.

Notably, at the end of 2020, city council and staff succeeded in creating a balanced budget, with no increase in utility rates, and provided over $800,000 to residents and local businesses in mortgage, rent, and utility relief.

We listened to local developers and made changes to our city code to encourage market rate and affordable housing development. Thanks to strong community partnerships, we implemented and expanded the Rediscovery and Community Paramedicine programs, which are actively improving people’s lives while saving taxpayer dollars.

I’m ready to continue the progress we have made toward a more vibrant community. Thank you in advance for your vote and continued support.”

John W. Procter: “In the past eleven years that I have lived in Port Angeles, I have witnessed a decrease in police presence, deterioration of our park and recreation services, and an influx of individuals living on our streets.

Many of theses individuals are openly drunk or using drugs. They throw their heroin syringes and garbage everywhere. They use our town as their public restroom. They graffiti our buildings and destroy business fronts. This affects our community standard and tourism.

Along with this we have also noticed the sudden appearance of old motorhomes, travel trailers, and automobiles. Many are randomly abandoned. Most are not currently licensed, and many are in disrepair but are parked on our streets for long periods of time. They are often outlets for drug dealing and harbor stolen goods from our community.

Our current City Council appears to use those individuals as political pawns assisting them to continue to desecrate our community. My intention is to restore our community to a healthier standard. I would like to represent the families and businesses who prefer a cleaner and safer Port Angeles.”

Clallam County is holding municipal elections in its three cities—Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks— in 2021. Twenty-six offices are up for election in those cities. Click here to read more about those elections.

October 6: Port Angeles City Council candidates discuss coronavirus pandemic, housing, and the future of the city (click [show] to read)

Port Angeles City Council candidates discuss coronavirus pandemic, housing, and the future of the city

October 6, 2021
Read this story on Ballotpedia News.

On Sept. 21, Port Angeles City Council Position #2 incumbent Mike French and challenger John Madden participated in an online candidate forum. The Port Angeles Business Association hosted the event.

French, who was elected to the city council in 2017, is the owner and operator of the First Street Haven Restaurant. Madden owns Ready Remodeling.

Over the span of an hour, the candidates discussed topics that included, among other things, the coronavirus pandemic, housing, the city budget, and the future of the city. What follows is a selection of the candidates’ responses.

Pandemic restrictions

Moderator: "Would each of you please articulate your thoughts on the current requirements in place [referring to a Clallam County and Jefferson County proof-of-vaccination requirement enacted by the North Olympic Peninsula health officer on Sept. 2]. What if anything would you change in them, and how long do you believe this pandemic would run if your particular policies were in place or you had the ability to set regulations."

Mike French: "I support what the local health officer is doing, I think that she clearly has the authority to do this, and I think that, as a small business owner, it was definitely jarring to have that mandate come out with maybe, I think two days warning, you know, for all the policies at my restaurant. That was certainly jarring. She had signaled that this was something she was thinking about in the previous meeting. So, I certainly would have loved more notice if I had to do it over again."

John Madden:: "This is something that has to be done with support from the public and cannot be foisted on people, especially by dictatorial means. I’m very sensitive about breaches of the Constitution, and I would just like to see us return to a model that honors the integrity and individual choice of the human being. I see other countries dealing with this pandemic in a way that is a lot more effective, and they have reached herd immunity a long time ago, without shutdowns, masking, or forcing people to take an experimental vaccination."

Housing

Moderator: "Affordable and available housing is an issue—it’s an issue not just for citizens to find a place but for us to attract very good professionals in here. With that said could each of you please articulate what you think is causing this problem and what is anything you could do as an individual council person or as a council together."

Mike French: "I think in general this is a supply issue, and that’s why for the past four years, I’ve been really focused on what can government do to get out of the way so that markets can function, I think, more effectively. What we’ve tried to do is say, in our permitting processes, in our regulations, what is under our control and what is not under our control, because I think a lot people, there’s this impression that oh this is all the state, the state is doing all this. But that’s actually not true. What we found was that actually had a lot that was under our control. And so you know, two years ago, we did basically zoning reform citywide that was really targeted toward how can we make it more affordable for developers and people to remodel and add housing, both existing housing stock and new housing stock. I think what we did was we made a lot of parcels actually a lot more valuable for development in the city of Port Angeles by allowing them to be subdivided or allowing different rules on setback and all those kinds of things. And I think that was really successful and I think that’s in the long run going to be part of the solution . But of course then there’s advocacy work to be done on what the state rules are."

John Madden: "This is where we need to have lower income housing available for people. What you’re running against here is a market dynamic where you’ve got AirBnBs and that type of offering, and in our situation right here now, we have a very limited stock of available rooms. People in their homes are inviting people from who knows where, whatever part of the world they’re from, to come and stay in one of their bedrooms for profit. A free market society does that and I don’t think it’s the purview of the city council to interfere with that. I believe more people will open up their homes to low-income housing and that’s going to take some guidance, because there are some considerations that need to be addressed in terms of health, community safety, and most of all contamination of our environment. We’re seeing this in places where the homeless are camping in different locations in town."

City budget

Moderator: "How solid of ground do each of you think the Port Angeles budget is on? Where do you think our budget’s major concerns are especially as we extrapolate into the future?"

Mike French: "My focus for the budget is on how much capacity as a staff—our city staff—to respond to the issues that our citizens really expect us to respond to, not just in law enforcement and code enforcement, but in our building division. Are we delivering enough speed on building permit turnaround. That’s the question that this council is really focused on in our strategic plan is building staff capacity so that we can be responsive as a city to our citizens demands."

John Madden: "I believe that a portion of our income in this city comes from tourism and we’ve had a problem with the ferry, so this is a fairly significant thing that needs to be addressed. There are certain elements outside of our control with these shutdowns all this type of behavior, but in the long run I believe the budget is not going to be as much of an issue because you’re going to have a resurgence of businesses coming into this city. Right now you see a lot of businesses that have been closed down as a result of the pandemic. I don’t think there are too many other reasons why businesses have been shut down over the last 18 months. As a community we need to work toward getting back to what we called “normal” before, and I believe it’s possible."

The future of Port Angeles

Moderator: "Tell us how you see Port Angeles in 10 years from now, and most importantly, what would you be doing as a council member to help get to the vision that you see Port Angeles 10 years in the future."

Mike French: "I really see us growing into a sustainable tourism economy that also has industry as a major sector. And I think that’s something that our community has shown a lot of favor toward through a lot of these open houses that we have. I think that in downtown we can build up, we can get more dense, we can have people living downtown, I think we can transform downtown into a really pedestrian-friendly experience. When a visitor comes to Port Angeles and says what do I need to see, we send them away. We say go to Hurricane Ridge, go to Lake Crescent. What I want to say is, yeah, of course you want to do those things, those are amazing things that show the natural beauty of our area. You also have to visit downtown. That needs to be the third thing on our list of unforgettable Port Angeles experiences and we need to bring our downtown product up to the level where it’s competitive with someone visiting Hurricane Ridge or going out and visiting Lake Crescent."

John Madden: "Now that we’ve gone through, it’s important to note that we’ve got a sports arena where the younger people can go and play racquet ball, pickle ball, possibly, we have a swimming place here, that’s wonderful. We have all kinds of activities that are healthy for people to engage in. I’m glad that we’ve returned to having exercise at the senior center. That’s extremely important for the health of our people. I know that with population growth, there will be density issues that need to be addressed. I know that we have a new building downtown with mixed-use, which is a good way of dealing with housing and retail combined. It’s hard to see 10 years from now, but I’m optimistic."

To watch the full forum, click here.

October 6: Three Sequim candidates complete Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey (click [show] to read)

October 6, 2021

Read this story on Ballotpedia News.

Three city council candidates in Sequim, Wa., completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey in recent weeks. Sequim is located in Clallam County, in the northwestern corner of the state.

Ballotpedia is covering municipal elections on Nov. 2 in Clallam County’s three cities—Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks. In Sequim, eleven offices are up for election, including seats on the city council, the school board, and the water district.

Incumbent Rachel Anderson is running for Sequim City Council Position No. 4 against challenger Daryl Ness. She listed the following three key campaign messages:

“I believe I’m the best choice for City Council seat 4 because I have shown my dedication and commitment to the community. My time as Head Start Policy Council Chairperson, an Olympic Community Action Programs Board Member, a Sequim Education Foundation Board Member, a Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market Board Member and Interim Board President, and as an appointed City Council Member have taught me valuable leadership lessons. It is so critical to the well-being of our community that we come together as team, despite our differences, in order to help the people in our community thrive!
My top priority is doing everything we can in order to bring more affordable housing to Sequim. Action items I would promote include: applying for grants and building partnerships federally, state-wide, and locally in order to build affordable housing for the workforce within our community.
I promote trust and civility between Council members and the Sequim community by doing everything I can to role model the necessary skills of a council member. Since being appointed, trust and civility have been priorities for my role as a council member, considering all of the controversy and negative attitude toward Sequim and its leadership over the past couple of years. It’s so important that each council member does their part: actively listening, asking questions, and actively respecting the decisions of local agencies and organizations in order to keep our community safe. Great and trustworthy leaders take responsibility, are dependable, and match their actions to their words.”

Incumbent Brandon Janisse is running for Sequim City Council Position No. 5 against challenger Patrick Day. Janisee listed the following three key campaign messages:

“Committing to a city government that is efficient, effective, responsible and transparent
Remaining Non-Partisan in a Non-Partisan position
Supporting Individuals and families who are healing from drug addiction and mental health issues”

Lowell Rathbun is running for Sequim City Council Position No. 6. against Keith A. Larkin. Neither candidate is the incumbent in the race. Rathbun listed the following three key campaign messages:

“We must bring transparency, trust, and civil discourse back to our city council.
Sequim is in an urgent housing crisis. Tackling this challenge is a top priority.
Our city must respond to our homeless, addicted and/or mentally neighbors in a compassionate manner.”

October 5: How Clallam County’s cities vote in presidential elections (click [show] to read)

October 5, 2021

How Clallam County’s cities vote in presidential elections

Read this story on Ballotpedia News.

There is one county in America that has, since 1980, voted for the winning presidential candidate—Clallam County, Wa. The county’s 40-year record of voting for Republican and Democratic candidates reflects its political diversity. In Clallam County, elections, especially federal and state elections, tend to be closely decided. In 2020 and 2016, for example, Joe Biden (D) and Donald Trump (R) won the county by a margin of 3.37% and 2.28%, respectively. In 2012, voters in Clallam favored Barack Obama (D) over Mitt Romney (R) by a margin of .38%.

At the county level, Clallam’s political leanings can be hard to decipher. Precinct-level voting data reveal the county’s three cities—Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks—and assorted unincorporated areas exhibit partisan voting patterns.

For this analysis, we sorted the county’s 68 voter precincts into four groups—those in Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks, and those in unincorporated areas.

Clallam County had an estimated population of around 76,770 in 2020. Port Angeles, the county seat, had a population of around 20,000, while Sequim had a population of about 7,600. Forks had a population of about 3,862.

Overall, in the last four presidential elections, Port Angeles and Sequim have leaned Democratic, while Forks has shown a strong preference for Republican candidates. The rest of the county has narrowly favored Republican candidates.

In 2020 in Port Angeles, Biden won 54.678% of the vote to Trump’s 41.16%. In Sequim, Biden won 56.77% to Trump’s 41.21%. In Forks, Trump won 65.36% to Biden’s 31.96%. Trump won the rest of the county by a margin of .77%.
In 2016 in Port Angeles, Hillary Clinton (D) won 49.42% of the vote to Trump’s 41.47%. In Sequim, Clinton won 48.99% to Trump’s 43.96%. In Forks, Trump won 59.98% to 30.58%. The rest of the county favored Trump over Clinton by a margin of 6.94%.
In 2012 in Port Angeles, Obama won 54.88% of the vote to Romney’s 42.01%. In Sequim, Romney won 48.96% to Obama’s 48.65%. In Forks, Romney won 55.88% to Obama’s 40.51%. Romney won the rest of the county by a margin of 3.49%.
In 2008 in Port Angeles, Obama won 55.71% to John McCain’s (R) 41.85%. In Sequim, Obama won 50.24% to McCain’s 47.52%. In Forks, McCain won 56.31% to Obama’s 40.19%. Obama won the rest of the county by a margin of .13%.

Clallam County is holding municipal elections in its three cities—Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks— in 2021. Twenty-six offices are up for election in those cities.

September 27: The longest-tenured officeholders up for re-election in Port Angeles, Wash. (click [show] to read)

September 27, 2021

The longest-tenured officeholders up for re-election in Port Angeles, Wash.

Read this story on Ballotpedia News.

Seven incumbents are running for re-election in Port Angeles, Wa.sh, in the Nov. 2 general election. In total, eight offices are up for election in the city.

In Port Angeles, four of those incumbents are city councilmembers, two are port commissioners, and one is on the Port Angeles School Board.

LaTrisha Suggs, Port Angeles City Council Position No. 1
Mike French, Port Angeles City Council Position No. 2
Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin, Port Angeles City Council Position No. 3
Kate Dexter, Port Angeles City Council Position No. 4
Sarah Methner, Port Angeles School District Director Position No. 1
Colleen McAleer, Port of Port Angeles Commissioner District No. 1
Steven Burke, Port of Port Angeles Commissioner District No. 2

Sarah Methner, the president of the Port Angeles School District Board, is the longest-serving incumbent running for re-election in Port Angeles in the Nov. 2 general election. Methner was first elected in 2009, and re-elected in 2013 and 2017. She is running against Lola Moses.

Port of Port Angeles Commissioner Colleen McAleer, who occupies the District No. 1 seat, was first elected in 2013, and re-elected in 2013 and 2017. She is running unopposed in her race.

Three of the four Port Angeles city councilmembers up for re-election—Dexter, Schromen-Wawrin, and French— were elected for the first time in 2017. Dexter is running against John W. Procter for the Position No. 4 seat, while Schromen-Wawrin is running against Jena Stamper for the No. 3 seat. French, who holds the No. 2 seat, is running against John Madden.

Councilmember Suggs was appointed to the position on Dec. 19, 2019. She is running against Adam Garcia.

Port of Port Angeles Commissioner Steven Burke, who occupies the District No. 2 seat, was appointed on March 27, 2021. Like fellow commissioner McAleer, he does not face a challenger in the general election.

The Port Angeles School District Director Position No. 2 election is the only Port Angeles election that does not feature an incumbent. Incumbent Cindy Kelly did not file for re-election. The race features Mary Hebert and Gabi Johnson.

Port Angeles is located in Clallam County, Wash. Clallam County is holding municipal elections in its three cities— Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks. Twenty-six offices are up for election in those cities. In 19 of those races, an incumbent is running for re-election.

September 27: The longest-tenured officeholders up for re-election in Sequim, Wash. (click [show] to read)

September 27, 2021

The longest-tenured officeholders up for re-election in Sequim, Wash.

Read this story on Ballotpedia News.

Six incumbents are running for re-election in Sequim, Wash., in the Nov. 2 general election. In total, eleven offices are up for election in the city.

In Sequim, three of those incumbents are city councilmembers, two are port commissioners, and one is on the Port Angeles School Board.

Sarah Kincaid, Sequim City Council Position No. 2
Mike Pence, Sequim City Council Position No. 3
Rachel Anderson, Sequim City Council Position No. 4
Ray L. Henninger, Park and Recreation Commissioner Position No. 1
Frank Pickering, Park and Recreation Commissioner Position No. 2
Alan Frank, Sunland Water District Commissioner Position No. 3

Park and Recreation Commissioner Frank Pickering is the longest-serving incumbent running for re-election in Sequim. Pickering was first elected in 2013, and re-elected in 2017. He is running unopposed in the general election for the No. 2 seat.

Park and Recreation Commissioner Ray Henninger is the next longest-serving incumbent running for re-election in Sequim. He was appointed to the position on Oct. 10, 2018, after the previous incumbent retired. Henninger, like fellow commissioner Pickering, will not face a challenger in the general election.

Sunland Water District Commissioner Alan Frank was appointed to the position on Jan. 1, 2020. He is running unopposed in the general election.

Sequim city councilmembers Pence and Kincaid were both appointed on April 27, 2020. Pence is running against challenger Vicki L. Lowe, while Kincaid is running against challenger Kathy Downer. Councilmember Anderson was appointed on February 16, 2021. She is running against Daryl Ness.

Five races in Sequim— two school board seats, two city council seats, and one seat on Fire District #3— do not feature an incumbent.

Sequim is located in Clallam County, Wash. Clallam County is holding municipal elections in its three cities— Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks. Twenty-six offices are up for election in those cities. In 19 of those races, an incumbent is running for re-election.

September 27: The longest-tenured officeholders up for re-election in Forks, Wash. (click [show] to read)

September 27, 2021

The longest-tenured officeholders up for re-election in Forks, Wash.

Read this story on Ballotpedia News.

Six incumbents are running for re-election in Forks, Wash., in the Nov. 2 general election. In total, seven offices are up for election in the city.

In Forks, one incumbent is the mayor, one is a city councilmember, two are school board members, one is a park and recreation commissioner, and one is a fire district commissioner.

Joe Soha, Forks City Council Position No. 3
Tim Fletcher, Mayor
Kevin Hinchen, Quillayute Valley School District Director District No. 2
Ron Hurn, Quillayute Valley School District Director District No. 4
Donald Grafstrom, Quillayute Park and Recreation Board Commissioner Position No. 1
Tom Rosmond, Fire District #6 Position No. 3

The longest-serving incumbent running for re-election in Forks is Quillayute Park and Recreation Commissioner Grafstrom. Grafstrom was first elected in 2013, and re-elected in 2017. He is running unopposed in the general election.

The next longest-serving incumbent is Fire District #6 Commissioner Rosmond, who was first elected in 2015. He is running unopposed in the general election.

Quillayute Valley School District Directors Hinchen and Hurn were both elected in 2017. Both are running unopposed in the general election.

Mayor Fletcher was first elected in 2017. He is running against Steve Wright in the general election. City councilmember Joe Soha was also elected in 2017. He is running against Sarah Holmes for the No. 3 seat.

The City Council Position No. 3 race is the only race in Forks that does not feature a sitting officeholder. Clinton W. Wood and Josef Echeita advanced from the Aug. 2 primary. Wood earned 58.7% of the vote, while Echeita earned 31.1%.

Forks is located in Clallam County, Wash.. Clallam County is holding municipal elections in its three cities— Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks. Twenty-six offices are up for election in those cities. In 19 of those races, an incumbent is running for re-election.

September 23: How Clallam County votes in state legislative elections (click [show] to read)

September 23, 2021

How Clallam County votes in state legislative elections

Clallam County, Wa., has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election since 1980, whether Republican or Democrat. This presidential voting record has earned it attention from scholars and reporters outside of the state. How has the county voted in state legislative elections?

Overall, while Clallam County voters have supported Republican and Democratic presidential candidates, they have tended to vote Democratic at the state legislative level. In gubernatorial elections, Clallam County voters have favored Republican candidates.

Clallam County falls within Washington’s 24th legislative district. The 24th district also includes Jefferson County and most of Grays Harbor County. State Sen. Kevin Van De Wege (D) and state Reps. Mike Chapman and Steve Tharinger represent District 24.

State Senate

Washington’s 24th state senate district has been represented by a Democratic state senator since the 1980 elections. During that time, Clallam County has voted for a Democratic state senator in every election except 1988. In 1988, Clallam voters picked Ellen C. Pickell (R) over Paul H. Conner (D) by a margin of 0.39%. In 1996, 2004, and 2008, the Democratic incumbent did not face a challenger.

In 2020, Clallam County voters backed state Sen. Kevin Van De Wege (D) over Connie Beauvais (R) by a margin of 0.59%. Overall, Van De Wege won Washington’s 24th district by a 1.28% margin.

The following table shows how Clallam County has voted for its state senator since 2000. The table also shows the result in the entire district.

State House of Representatives

Washington 24th state house district is represented by two officeholders. Since 1980, Washington’s 24th district has voted for a Democratic candidate to hold Position 1 in 15 of the last 21 elections. A Republican held the seat from 1994 to 2004.

Clallam County voters have backed for the Democratic candidate in 11 of the last 21 elections. In 1982, 1984, 1990, and 2006, it broke with the rest of the 24th district and voted for the Republican candidate. In 2020, incumbent Mike Chapman (D) defeated Sue Ford (R) by a margin of 8.41%. Clallam ultimately voted for Chapman over Ford, but by a margin of 1.21%.

The following table shows how Clallam voted in the District 24-Position 1 elections since 1980.

The Position 2 seat has been held by a Democrat since the 1982 elections. Clallam County has voted for a Democratic candidate to hold Position 2 in most elections since 1980. It has voted for a Republican candidate in three of the last 21 elections—1992, 2010, and 2020. In 2020, Clallam voted for Brian Pruiett (R) over incumbent Steve Tharinger (D) by a margin of .11%. The following table shows how Clallam voted in the District 24-Position 2 elections since 1980.

Clallam County is holding municipal elections in its three cities—Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks— in 2021. Twenty-six offices are up for election in those cities.

September 17: How Clallam County picks its governors (click [show] to read)

September 17, 2021

How Clallam County picks its governors

Clallam County, Wash., knows how to pick a winner— at least when it comes to presidential politics.

Every four years, going back to 1980, it has voted for the winning presidential candidate, making it the county with the longest record of anticipating the country’s next commander-in-chief— whether Republican or Democrat. That puts Clallam County at odds with Washington, a state that hasn’t selected a Republican presidential candidate since 1984. While Clallam has voted Republican in six of the last 11 presidential elections, Washington has voted Republican in only two.

When it comes to choosing Washington’s governor, Clallam County has struck a more consistent note, though one still mostly at odds with the rest of the state. Clallam has voted Republican in eight out of the last 11 gubernatorial elections. Since 1980, Clallam County has voted for a Democrat in 1984, 1988, and 2000, and for a Republican ever since.

Washington, however, has selected a Democratic governor in every election since 1984.

The following table contrasts Clallam’s gubernatorial voting record since 2000 with Washington’s statewide results.

Although Clallam has selected Republican governors since 2004, the results have been close, with no more than a 10% margin separating the Republican candidate from the Democratic one. In 2008, 2016, and 2020, the margin separating the two candidates was under two percent, reflecting Clallam’s political diversity.

Clallam County is holding municipal elections in its three cities—Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks— in 2021. Twenty-six offices are up for election in those cities.

September 10: A recent history of presidential election bellwether counties (click [show] to read)

September 10, 2021

A recent history of presidential election bellwether counties

Read this story on Ballotpedia News.

The United States is composed of 3,143 counties or county equivalents.^[4] Of them, Clallam County, in northwest Washington, has the longest record of always voting for the winning presidential candidate.

Since 1980, Clallam County has voted in every presidential election for the candidate that would go on to win the White House. Since 1920, it has only voted for the losing candidate in 1968 and 1976. Political scientists have a term for counties or states that anticipate how the rest of the country will vote—bellwethers.

Before the 2020 election, Clallam was one of 19 counties with an unbroken record of voting for the winning presidential candidate since 1980. Those counties were:

Warren County, Ill.
Vigo County, Ind.
Bremer County, Iowa
Washington County, Maine
Shiawassee County, Mich.
Van Buren County, Mich.
Hidalgo County, N.M.
Valencia County, N.M.
Cortland County, N.Y.
Otsego County, N.Y.
Ottawa County, Ohio
Wood County, Ohio
Essex County, Vt.
Westmoreland County, Va.
Juneau County, Wis.
Marquette County, Wis.
Richland County, Wis.
Sawyer County, Wis.

Until the 2020 election, Valencia County, N.M., held the record for the longest streak of selecting the winning presidential candidate, going back to 1952. Vigo County, Ind. began selecting the winning presidential candidate in 1956. Ottawa County, Ohio, Westmoreland County, Va., Juneau County, Wis., and Sawyer County, Wis., started their streak in 1964.

Clallam County is holding municipal elections in its three cities—Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks—in 2021. Twenty-six offices are up for election in those cities.

August 18: Clallam County municipal primary results certified (click [show] to read)

August 18, 2021

Clallam County municipal primary results certified

Read this story on Ballotpedia News.

The Clallam County Auditor certified Aug. 3 primary elections Tuesday. Top-two primaries took place in three cities in the county—Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks. Eight offices appeared on primary ballots.

Clallam County, on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, has the nation’s longest unbroken record of voting for the winning presidential candidate, going back to 1980. Clallam County became a Boomerang Pivot County in 2020, meaning voters voted for Obama in 2008 and 2012, voted for Trump in 2016, and then voted for Biden in 2020.

Ballotpedia is covering elections for 26 total offices in Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks in 2021. In Clallam County, nonpartisan elections skip the primary and appear only on the general election ballot when fewer than three candidates file for the election or the office is a cemetery or parks and recreation district.

In Port Angeles, the county seat, the following candidates advanced to the Nov. 2 general election:

Port Angeles School District Director Position No. 2

Mary Hebert (34.37%)
Gabi Johnson (33.1)

Port Angeles City Council Position No. 1

LaTrisha Suggs (incumbent) (46.9%)
Adam Garcia (41.23%)

Port Angeles City Council Position No. 2

Mike French (incumbent) (56.85%)
John Madden (35.75%)

Port Angeles City Council Position No. 3

Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin (incumbent) (41.4%)
Jena Stamper (37.34%)

Port Angeles City Council Position No. 4

Kate Dexter (incumbent) (53.33%)
John W. Procter (41.1%)

In Sequim, the following candidates advanced to the Nov. 2 general election:

Sequim School District Director at Large, Position No. 4 (multi-county race includes votes from Jefferson County)

Virginia R. Sheppard (28.58%)
Kristi Schmeck (28.85%)

Fire District #3, Commissioner Position No. 1 (multi-county race includes votes from Jefferson County)

Duane Chamlee (34.94%)
Jeff Nicholas (56.68%)

In Forks, the following candidates advanced to the Nov. 2 general election:

Forks City Council Position No. 2

Josef Echeita (31.1%)
Clinton W. Wood (58.74%)

August 13: Port Angeles, Forks city council candidates advance to the general election (click [show] to read)

August 13, 2021

Port Angeles, Forks city council candidates advance to the general election

Read this story on Ballotpedia News.

Ten city council candidates running for five seats in the cities of Port Angeles and Forks, in Clallam County, Wa., advanced to the Nov. 2 general election. The primary was August 3.

Clallam County, on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, has the nation's longest unbroken record of voting for the winning presidential candidate, going back to 1980. Since 1920, voters in the county backed the winning presidential candidate in every election except 1968 and 1976.

Washington uses a top-two primary system, in which all candidates are listed on the same ballot and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election. In total, 15 city council candidates appeared on the primary ballot. In Clallam County, nonpartisan elections skip the primary and appear only on the general election ballot when fewer than three candidates file for the election or the office is a cemetery or parks and recreation district.

Eleven city council seats are up for election in Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks in 2021. Five city council seats appeared on primary ballots, while the other six will appear on general election ballots.

Vote totals below are current as of August 12. The Clallam County Auditor’s office plans to conduct the next ballot count on August 17.

In Port Angeles, the county seat, four of the seven city council positions are up for election in 2021, and all four appeared on the primary ballot.

Incumbent LaTrisha Suggs, who holds the Council Position No. 1 seat, and Adam Garcia advanced to the general election. Suggs won 47.02% of the vote, while Garcia won 41.07%. In the race for Council Position No. 2, incumbent Mike French and John Madden advanced to the general, with French winning 56.94% of the vote to Madden’s 35.67%. Council Position No. 3 Incumbent Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin advanced to the general after winning 41.48% of the vote, alongside Jena Stamper who won 37.25%. In the race for Council Position No. 4, Mayor Kate Dexter won 53.45% of the vote to John W. Procter’s 41.02%.

Port Angeles council members are elected to four-year terms. The council elects a mayor and deputy mayor from among the seven members.

In Forks, two of the five city council seats are up for election in 2021, and one of them appeared on the primary ballot.

Josef Echeita and Clinton W. Wood advanced to the general election in the City Council Position No. 2 race. Wood won 58.81% of the vote to Echeita's 30.94%.

Forks city council members are elected for four-year terms. Voters also elect the mayor. The mayor’s office will appear on the general election ballot.

In Sequim, five of the seven city council seats are up for election, but because only two candidates filed to run in each race, all five skipped the primary and will appear in the general election.

August 5: Voters decide municipal primary elections in Clallam County, Washington (click [show] to read)

August 5, 2021

Voters decide municipal primary elections in Clallam County, Washington

Read this story on Ballotpedia News.

Clallam County, Washington, has the nation’s longest unbroken record of voting for the winning presidential candidate, going back to 1980. Since 1920, voters in the county backed the winning presidential candidate in every election except 1968 and 1976.

Top-two primaries took place on Aug. 3 in three cities in Clallam County—Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks. In total, 26 offices are up for election in those cities this year.

Results of the races are pending. Elections in Washington are conducted primarily by mail, though ballots may also be deposited in drop boxes or returned in person. Ballots postmarked by Aug. 3 will be counted. The Clallam County Auditor’s office releases updated vote totals on a daily basis until all ballots are counted.

In Clallam County, nonpartisan elections skip the primary and appear only on the general election ballot when fewer than three candidates file for the election or the office is a cemetery or parks and recreation district. Below are the preliminary results from races where primaries took place in Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks as of Aug. 4. The top two vote-getters in each race will advance to the general election on Nov. 2, when the other 20 offices will also be on the ballot.

Port Angeles
Port Angeles School District Director Position No. 2
Jesse Charles - 25.45%
Mary Hebert - 36.08%
Jean M. Stratton - 6.06%

Port Angeles City Council Position No. 1
LaTrisha Suggs (incumbent) - 47.05%
John DeBoer - 11.43%
Adam Garcia - 41.44%

Port Angeles City Council Position No. 2
Mike French (incumbent) - 57.02%
John Madden - 35.42%
Samantha Rodahl - 7.54%

Port Angeles City Council Position No. 3
Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin (incumbent) - 41.65%
Jason Thompson - 21.06%
Jena Stamper - 37.26%

Port Angeles City Council Position No. 4
Kate Dexter (incumbent) - 53.9%
Jon Bruce - 5.4%
John W. Procter - 40.65%

Sequim
Sequim School District Director at Large, Position No. 4 (multi-county race)
Derek Huntington - 16.02%
Kristi Schmeck - 29.07%
Virginia R. Sheppard - 28.17%
Rachel Tax - 26.56%

Forks
Forks City Council Position No. 2
Josef Echeita - 31.22%
Barbara Neihouse - 9.26%
Clinton W. Wood - 58.2%

Clallam County is located in the northwestern corner of Washington. The estimated population in 2020 was 76,770. The county sits at the westernmost point in the contiguous United States, on the Olympic Peninsula.

November 2 general election candidates and races

Below you will find the candidates and races that will appear on the November 2 general election ballot in Sequim. Primary election results can also be found below for races that appeared in the August 3 primaries. In Clallam County, uncontested races and races with fewer than three candidates skipped the primary and will appear on the general election ballot. The Clallam County Auditor certified primary vote totals on Tuesday, August 17.

Sequim School District Director at Large, Position No. 4

☑Kristi Schmeck
☐Virginia R. Sheppard

The Sequim School District Director Position No. 4 is a multi-county race that includes both Clallam County and Jefferson County. General election results below show votes from both counties.

Sequim School District Director at Large, Position No. 4, 2021
Party		Candidate	Clallam Vote %	Clallam Votes	Jefferson Vote %	Jefferson Votes	Overall Vote %	Overall Votes
	Nonpartisan	Kristi Schmeck	55.82%	6,854	65%	91	55.93%	6,945
	Nonpartisan	Virginia R. Sheppard	42.82%	5,258	33.57%	47	42.72%	5,305
	Nonpartisan	Write-ins	1.35%	166	1.43%	2	1.35%	168
Total Votes								12,418
Source: Clallam County Auditor, "November 2, 2021, General Election," accessed November 4, 2021

Click [show] to see the August 2 primary election results for this race

The Sequim School District Director Position No. 4 is a multi-county race that includes both Clallam County and Jefferson County. Primary results below show votes from both counties.

☐Derek Huntington
☑Virginia R. Sheppard
☑Kristi Schmeck
☐Rachel Tax

Sequim School District Director Position No. 4, 2021
Party		Candidate	Clallam Vote %	Clallam Votes	Jefferson Vote %	Jefferson Votes	Overall Vote %	Overall Votes
	Nonpartisan	Derek Huntington	15.49%	1,621	22.06%	30	15.58%	1,651
	Nonpartisan	Virginia R. Sheppard	28.68%	3,000	21.32%	29	28.58%	3,029
	Nonpartisan	Kristi Schmeck	28.91%	3,025	23.53%	32	28.85%	3,057
	Nonpartisan	Rachel Tax	26.74%	2,798	32.35%	44	26.82%	2,842
	Nonpartisan	Write-ins	0.17%	18	0.74%	1	0.18%	19
Total Votes								10,598
Source: Clallam County Auditor, "November 2, 2021, General Election," accessed November 4, 2021

Fire District #3, Commissioner Position No. 1

☑Jeff Nicholas
☐Duane Chamlee

Fire District #3, Commissioner Position No. 1, 2021
Party		Candidate	Clallam Vote %	Clallam Votes	Jefferson Vote %	Jefferson Votes	Overall Vote %	Overall Votes
	Nonpartisan	Jeff Nicholas	64.82%	8,354	61.73%	100	64.78%	8,454
	Nonpartisan	Duane Chamlee	34.8%	4,485	36.42%	59	34.82%	4,544
	Nonpartisan	Write-ins	0.39%	50	1.85%	3	0.41%	53
Total Votes								13,051
Source: Clallam County Auditor, "November 2, 2021, General Election," accessed November 4, 2021

Click [show] to see the August 2 primary election results for this race

☑Duane Chamlee
☑Jeff Nicholas
☐Sean Ryan

The Fire District #3, Commissioner Position No. 1 is a multi-county race that includes both Clallam County and Jefferson County. Primary results below show votes from both counties.

Fire District #3, Commissioner Position No. 1, 2021
Party		Candidate	Clallam Vote %	Clallam Votes	Jefferson Vote %	Jefferson Votes	Overall Vote %	Overall Votes
	Nonpartisan	Duane Chamlee	34.97%	3,828	33.1%	48	34.94%	3,876
	Nonpartisan	Jeff Nicholas	56.67%	6,204	57.24%	83	56.68%	6,287
	Nonpartisan	Sean Ryan	8.05%	881	8.28%	12	8.05%	893
	Nonpartisan	Write-ins	0.31%	34	1.38%	2	0.32%	36
Total Votes								11,092
Source: Clallam County Auditor, "August 3, 2021, primary results," accessed August 18, 2021

Sequim City Council Position No. 2

☐Sarah Kincaid (incumbent)
☑Kathy Downer

Sequim City Council Position No. 2, 2021
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Nonpartisan	Kathy Downer	69.61%	2,284
	Nonpartisan	Sarah Kincaid (incumbent)	30.23%	992
		Write-in votes	0.15%	5
Total Votes				3,281
Source: Clallam County Auditor, "November 2, 2021, General Election," accessed November 4, 2021

Sequim City Council Position No. 3

☐Mike Pence (incumbent)
☑Vicki L. Lowe

Sequim City Council Position No. 3, 2021
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Nonpartisan	Vicki L. Lowe	68.17%	2,244
	Nonpartisan	Mike Pence (incumbent)	31.71%	1,044
		Write-in votes	0.12%	4
Total Votes				3,292
Source: Clallam County Auditor, "November 2, 2021, General Election," accessed November 4, 2021

Sequim City Council Position No. 4

☑Rachel Anderson (incumbent)
☐Daryl Ness

Sequim City Council Position No. 4, 2021
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Nonpartisan	Rachel Anderson (incumbent)	67.63%	2,219
	Nonpartisan	Daryl Ness	32.25%	1,058
		Write-in votes	0.12%	4
Total Votes				3,281
Source: Clallam County Auditor, "November 2, 2021, General Election," accessed November 4, 2021

Sequim City Council Position No. 5

☐Patrick Day
☑Brandon Janisse (incumbent)

Sequim City Council Position No. 5, 2021
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Nonpartisan	Brandon Janisse	65.86%	2,134
	Nonpartisan	Patrick Day	33.86%	1,097
		Write-in votes	0.28%	9
Total Votes				3,240
Source: Clallam County Auditor, "November 2, 2021, General Election," accessed November 4, 2021

Sequim City Council Position No. 6

☐Keith A. Larkin (incumbent)
☑Lowell Rathbun

Sequim City Council Position No. 6, 2021
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Nonpartisan	Lowell Rathbun	65.28%	2,136
	Nonpartisan	Keith A. Larkin	34.57%	1,131
		Write-in votes	0.15%	5
Total Votes				3,272
Source: Clallam County Auditor, "November 2, 2021, General Election," accessed November 4, 2021

Sequim School District Director District No. 2

☑Patrice Johnston

Sequim School District Director District No. 2, 2021
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Nonpartisan	Patrice Johnston (unopposed)	94.21%	9,178
		Write-in votes	5.79%	564
Total Votes				9,742
Source: Clallam County Auditor, "November 2, 2021, General Election," accessed November 4, 2021

Park and Recreation Commissioner Position No. 1

☐Ray L. Henninger (incumbent)

Park and Recreation Commissioner Position No. 1, 2021
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Nonpartisan	Ray L. Henninger (incumbent) (unopposed)	98.74%	8,873
		Write-in votes	1.26%	113
Total Votes				8,986
Source: Clallam County Auditor, "November 2, 2021, General Election," accessed November 4, 2021

Park and Recreation Commissioner Position No. 2

☑Frank Pickering (incumbent)

Park and Recreation Commissioner Position No. 2, 2021
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Nonpartisan	Frank Pickering (incumbent) (unopposed)	98.35%	8,386
		Write-in votes	1.65%	141
Total Votes				8,527
Source: Clallam County Auditor, "November 2, 2021, General Election," accessed November 4, 2021

Sunland Water District Commissioner Position No. 3

☑Alan Frank (incumbent)

Sunland Water District Commissioner Position No. 3, 2021
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Nonpartisan	Alan Frank (incumbent) (unopposed)	99.68%	614
		Write-in votes	0.32%	2
Total Votes				616
Source: Clallam County Auditor, "November 2, 2021, General Election," accessed November 4, 2021

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey

Rachel Anderson

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Rachel Anderson is running for Sequim City Council Position No. 4. She completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. Click on the question to see the candidate's answer.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a wife, mom of 3 kid, and a Sequim High School graduate. I have received Associate's degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. I am currently serving as a Sequim City Council Member. I represent the low-income community. I also serve as the City of Sequim liaison on the Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization, Homelessness Task Force, and Lifeboat 3 Grant Committee.
I currently serve as the Head Start Policy Council Chairperson, an OlyCAP board member, a Sequim Education Foundation board member, the Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market Interim Board President, and a Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP Parent Ambassador.
I have served in the Sequim community for almost 5 years, holding a variety of roles and titles throughout my volunteer career. However, the first thing my friends and family will tell you is that I have never forgotten who I advocate for. I am committed to serving my community and have set my standards high, and will continue to work diligently while actively listening to constituents.

Tell us about your career.

My most recent paid role is City of Sequim Council Member. My most recent volunteer role is Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market Interim Board President.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
I believe I’m the best choice for City Council seat 4 because I have shown my dedication and commitment to the community. My time as Head Start Policy Council Chairperson, an Olympic Community Action Programs Board Member, a Sequim Education Foundation Board Member, a Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market Board Member and Interim Board President, and as an appointed City Council Member have taught me valuable leadership lessons. It is so critical to the well-being of our community that we come together as team, despite our differences, in order to help the people in our community thrive!
My top priority is doing everything we can in order to bring more affordable housing to Sequim. Action items I would promote include: applying for grants and building partnerships federally, state-wide, and locally in order to build affordable housing for the workforce within our community.
I promote trust and civility between Council members and the Sequim community by doing everything I can to role model the necessary skills of a council member. Since being appointed, trust and civility have been priorities for my role as a council member, considering all of the controversy and negative attitude toward Sequim and its leadership over the past couple of years. It’s so important that each council member does their part: actively listening, asking questions, and actively respecting the decisions of local agencies and organizations in order to keep our community safe. Great and trustworthy leaders take responsibility, are dependable, and match their actions to their words.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I am personally passionate about affordable housing, economic sustainability, small business opportunities, and mental health advocacy, while applying good governance practices. I’d also like to promote more inclusiveness and unity, and want to bring people together to share common goals.

What is your campaign slogan?

"Genuine. Driven. Accomplished." "Committed. Compassionate. Community Oriented."

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Brandon Janisse

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Brandon Janisse is running for Sequim City Council Position No. 5. He completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. Click on the question to see the candidate's answer.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Sequim, graduating from Sequim High School in 2003, My main goal is to serve the citizens of Sequim to the best of my abilities and do what is best for the city. Not what’s best for me. I served this country while enlisted in the United States Army, 101st Airborne Div. with a tour in Iraq. I have seen the differences in socio-economic status between life here in the United States, and that of Iraq. What worked here may not have worked there. This has helped me learn to adapt to different situations that arise. I work at our county jail as a control tech. I see those that have substance and/or mental health issues almost daily. I am also a foster parent. Far too often I have cared for the children of those individuals who are struggling. I bring this unique experience to the council. It drives me to help in every aspect of my life. My public official/law enforcement/foster parent relationships have shaped me.

Tell us about your career and professional experience.

Control Tech at the Clallam County Jail
Served in the United States Army as Military Police Soldier with a tour in Iraq

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Committing to a city government that is efficient, effective, responsible and transparent
Remaining Non-Partisan in a Non-Partisan position
Supporting Individuals and families who are healing from drug addiction and mental health issues

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Partnerships and relationships are essential for a town like Sequim to attract good paying jobs. Sequim is quite some distance from the I-5 corridor; it doesn’t have a port of its own and does not have a rail. This puts Sequim at a disadvantage right from the start. I have worked very hard with the Clallam County Economic Development Council to bring family-wage jobs to Sequim. We have sought out partnerships and fostered relationships with entities such as the University of Washington, Private Crime Labs, and local and state leaders to attract businesses to Sequim. I have also begun working on fostering a stronger partnership with the Clallam County PUD to address a power issue to some properties in the city. Last is to make sure that we partner with other governments, tribes, or individuals who have contacts or are capability of creating business in our city. Sequim cannot do it alone, so it is extremely important to foster partnerships and relationships.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was working at a deli. I started off making the sandwich's that were ordered and worked my way up to making the bread that the sandwiches were made of. I worked there for about a year before joining the military.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first one I remember was 9/11. I was 16 and remember watching the new about the towers before going to school.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my dad. He went though ups and downs but has become a better person because of these trials. He is always there to offer me advice.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The city council is the government closest to the people. While national, and state, politics can be seen as trickle down, the local governments actions tend to me more direct in their affects of peoples everyday activities. Property taxes, sales tax, land use regulations are some things that the city councils can work with as allowed under state and national law.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

I don't think of it as little-known powers but what we are not responsible for. Under the council/manager form of government we do not engage in the day to day activities of the city. I can't walk up to the PW Director and tell him to fix a street. The council needs to direct the City Manager to have the street fixed. People think that council is inactive because they are not aware of the roles everyone plays.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

On the city council, no. A councilor is not overseeing a department, and is able to be advised by people that are more versed in areas than they are.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Willingness to listen to views that are not your own. The councils commitment is to the people not an ideology. Its a non-partisan position for a reason.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, Integrity, willingness to engage with those that have different ideas. Willing to try new ideas.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Be stewards of the community. Manage public funds, and do what is write at all times.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I think just take a non biased look at what politics has become. Forget about liberal v. conservative, right v. left, and ask yourself "is this how government is to behave?'

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I have been non-partisan. I have voted for things I do not like, and not voted for things i do like, all because it was in the best interest of the community. I put them before myself.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Anything Star Wars. I love the tales it brings and the idea of another galaxy far far away.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Lowell Rathbun

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Lowell Rathbun is running for Sequim City Council Position No. 6. He completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. Click on the question to see the candidate's answer.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a Montana native and graduated from High School in Lewistown, MT. I have lived in Minnesota, Arizona and in cities up and down the West Coast, including 25 years in the Pacific Northwest. I worked my way up through the ranks of the high-tech industry, starting as an assembler and retiring as a senior design engineer. I earned a college degree with honors and advanced my career all while raising a family. I have not forgotten what it's like to be a struggling worker and parent. I retired from Tektronix in 2013 and moved to Sequim 4 years ago.
Engineers are trained and persistent problem solvers and innovators. They are paid to make something exist that did not exist before. My training and experience have trained me to logically deal with the issues, consult with the experts and coordinate with others to achieve a pragmatic outcome. I will bring these skills to our city council as we look for innovative solutions for our housing crisis.
I have family members who have struggled with mental illness and homelessness. I have served with the National Alliance of Mental Illness, as a board member and as an instructor who taught classes to families who had a loved one struggling with mental illness. This makes me familiar with and empathetic to the plight and needs of people who struggle with addictions, mental illness, and homelessness. I will bring that quality of compassion to our city council.

Tell us about your career and professional experience.

Senior RF Design Engineer at Tektronix, Inc. of Beaverton, OR. I retired in 2013 after 40 total years in high tech. Another major employer I worked for was Raytheon, Inc. located in Tucson, AZ.
I won a patent for an advanced Microwave Synthesizer design in 2007.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
We must bring transparency, trust, and civil discourse back to our city council.
Sequim is in an urgent housing crisis. Tackling this challenge is a top priority.
Our city must respond to our homeless, addicted and/or mentally neighbors in a compassionate manner.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

1. I want to restore good governance to the Sequim City Counci. 2. I want to actually do something about finding affordable housing for our working people, rather than just talk about it. 3. I want more human services delivered to Sequim's citizens in need including emergency housing, food, and medical care. I want the city to find a building to house the Sequim Health and Housing Collaborative. 4. Climate change is an existential crisis for humanity. I want to change the city to do more to reduce carbon emissions and make this town more resilient to extreme weather events. 5. There is racism in Sequim. I have seen it firsthand. I want the city to continue its involvement in community conversations to talk about and overcome systemic racism here.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Although I can't call it a historical event, I remember very clearly, in fifth grade, at the age of 10, the ""Duck and Cover"" campaign. We were all afraid of nuclear war and had to be ready for the bombs to fall at any time. It was very scary. I remember the teacher telling us that in the case of an attack, we were to crawl underneath our desks and presumably wait for the bomb to go off. Then at the teacher's direction we would all get up, line up straight in single file by the door and then go home immediately. Not to worry, our parents would know what to do next.
I remember asking the teacher what would happen if the bomb went off in the school yard: would all the windows break and would the school fire alarm go off? I was met with total silence and the teacher changed the subject. I began to suspect that a nuclear bomb going off in the schoolyard was a bad thing.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The office of city council member is basically a legislative position which sets policy. A council member does not try to manage the day-to-day affairs of city government. A city council member is usually not a trained member of the legal profession, and therefore does not attempt to engage in quasi-judicial processes like land use hearings. It is the city council member's responsibility to listen to his/her constituents and determine what they want for their city and then interface with the municipal code and the city staff and other council members and propse and pass sensible policies and city codes. It is important that a city council member remain as impartial as her or she can and be responsible to all constituents, not just the ones he/she have affinity for.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

It would be beneficial for a city council member to have previous experience in government or in serving people. A good city council member shoud be aware of the community's leading needs and problems. Being familiar with officials at the county level. especially in areas of affordable housing, dealing with homelessness, bringing broadband to the area will be helpful. Experience in dealing with local business leaders will be helpful in making sensible policy decisions which can affect the local economy. And since climate change is becoming an urgent and pressing issue, understanding what can be and has been done by other cities and the state to reduce carbon emissions will be very helpful also .

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

City council members need a number of skills: first of all, they need to be able to read, absorb and process a great quantity of complex and sometimes conflicting information and deal that information in a rational and dispassionate manner. It is helpful for city council members to be highly socialized and able to easily interact with all sorts of people: city staff, fellow council members, other elected officials and all sorts of members of the public, including local business leaders, the tribe, working people and even the homeless and people suffering from mental illness. It is very important that city council members maintain a good grip on their emotions and remain dispassionate, even in the face of indignant and irritated constituents. And a good city council member must be able to remain focused on his/her internal agenda, even in the face of many distractions. And that same city council member must never lose grip on his/her moral compass. Another good quality in a good city council member is to quickily realize when he/she doesn't have the answer and have the humility to go find the information and/or advice from someone who has more expertise or experience on that topic.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

First and foremost, an elected official serves the public. Public office is a sacred trust whereby the public entrusts to the elected official part of their own power and treasure so that the elected official may secure the common good. First and foremost, an elected official must never forget that. Honesty is another very important requirement for elective office. With power comes the temptation to deceive and then that sacred trust is broken. Elected officials need to possess the quality of empathy. They must be able to dispassionately listen to their constituents, especially those who disagree with him/her, and try to understand the constituent's concerns. To do this, an elected official must always be aware of his/her own prejudices and convictions. The elected official must be comfortable working with other people, which isn't always an easy task. Seeking a consensus among people with differing convictions can and will be frusrating and difficult. We mu;st never lose sight of whom we are doing ths for. In many cases, a political solution will be found by working together with people of other government and agencies, and so it's important to keep the lines of communication open. Elected officials should be able to discern the facts in a situation quickly, or know whom to consult to get those facts. And then that official should have the ability to propose pragmatic fact-based proposals that have a good chance of working and being accepted by others. Moden government, even at the municipal level is getting complex.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Engineers are trained and persistent problem solvers and innovators. They are paid to make something exist that did not exist before. My training and experience have trained me to logically deal with the issues, consult with the experts and coordinate with others to achieve a pragmatic outcome. I will bring these skills to our city council as we look for innovative solutions for our housing crisis. I have family members who have struggled with mental illness and homelessness. I have served with the National Alliance of Mental Illness, as a board member and as an instructor who taught classes to families who had a loved one struggling with mental illness. This makes me familiar with and empathetic to the plight and needs of people who struggle with addictions, mental illness, and homelessness. I will bring that quality of compassion to our city council.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm, a distinguished psychologist. This is the best discussion on the theory and practice of love I have ever come across. Fromm discusses the different kinds of love and how they are different. He then describes the practice of love which involves 4 basic principles: awareness, care, responsibility and respect. Love is a practice, not just a feeling. Loving people are aware of those around him/her that need love. Loving people don't turn away from the need. Loving people care about the loved one: they want for the loved one what they would want for themselves. Loving people take responsibility: if I don't take care of that person needing love, who will? And love involves respect: A loving person seeks the life and growth of the person they love. A loving person respects the loved one's decisions, even if those decisions may appear to be self- destructive at time. The objects of love are not confined just to one's spouse or other humans. One can love animals and the planet itself, among other things. Love is the answer to the problem of human existence. I have tried to make this book one of my life's manuals.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

About the county

Clallam County is a county in the northwestern corner of Washington. The estimated population in 2020 was 76,770.^[5] The county sits at the westernmost point in the contiguous United States, on the Olympic Peninsula.^[6] Olympic National Park, one of three national parks in Washington, overlaps with parts of Clallam County, as well as the counties of Jefferson, Mason, and Grays Harbor.^[7] Clallam comprises 1,738 square miles, making it the 20th largest county in the state.^[8]

The table below shows demographic information about the county.

Demographic data for Clallam County, Washington (2019)
	Clallam County	Washington
Total population:	77,331	7,614,893
Land area (square miles):	1,738.33	66,456
Race and ethnicity^[9]
White:	87.1%	78.5%
Black/African American:	1.2%	4.4%
Asian:	1.9%	9.6%
Native American:	5.6%	1.9%
Pacific Islander:	.2%	0.8%
Two or more:	4.1%	4.9%
Hispanic/Latino:	6.6%	13%
Education
High school graduation rate:	92.5%	91.3%
College graduation rate:	27.4%	36.0%
Income
Median household income:	$52,192	$73,775
Persons below poverty level:	11.24%	9.8%
Source: All data was taken from the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts"

Clallam County has three incorporated cities—Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks—and a number of unincorporated and Census-designated places.

Port Angeles

Port Angeles became the county seat of Clallam County in 1890.^[5] Between 2010 and 2019, the population grew by 6.2%, from 19,038 to 20,229.^[10]

Port Angeles relies on a council-manager government in which an elected city council serves as the city's primary legislative body and appoints a chief executive officer called a city manager to oversee day-to-day municipal operations.^[11] According to the Peninsula Daily News, "Port Angeles has a 'weak mayor' system, in which the mayor is chosen from amongst council members for a two-year term to lead meetings and perform other ceremonial duties."^[12]

Logging was the biggest industry in Clallam County throughout much of the 19th and 20th centuries. However, according to the Washington Employment Security Department, 89 percent of all nonfarm employment took place in the service sector in 2020.^[5] Peninsula College and Olympic Medical Center, along with the Port Angeles City, are the largest employers in Port Angeles, according to the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce.^[13]

Sequim

Sequim is Clallam County's second largest city, with a 2019 population of 7,640. Between 2010 and 2019, the population grew by 16.2%.^[14]

Sequim has gained a reputation as a desirable city for retirees, in part because the area receives comparatively little rainfall relative to the rest of Clallam County. The city has been referred to as a "sunbelt" or "banana belt" because it lies within the Olympic Rain Shadow, a narrow region protected from heavy precipitation by the Olympic Mountains. On average, Sequim receives 16.51 inches of rain a year. Forks, on the other hand, receives around 118 inches of rain a year.^[5]^[15]^[16]

Forks

Forks is Clallam County's third largest city, with an estimated 2018 population of 3,862.^[17] In 2009, Forks experienced an increase in tourism that many residents attributed to the Twilight series of fantasy romance books.^[18] The series tells the story of Bella Swan, a Forks High School student. The first book, Twilight, which was released in 2005, was adapted into a 2008 film of the same name.

External links

Footnotes

↑ Washington Secretary of State, "Top 2 Primary: FAQs for Candidates," accessed July 27, 2021
↑ Clallam County, Washington, "FAQ for Candidates -2021," accessed July 27, 2021
↑ United States Census Bureau, "QuickFacts: Sequim city, Washington," accessed July 22, 2021
↑ United States Census Bureau, "Around Four-Fifths of All U.S. Metro Areas Grew Between 2010 and 2020," August 12, 2021
↑ ^5.0 ^5.1 ^5.2 ^5.3 Washington Employment Security Department, "Clallam County profile," accessed July 22, 2021
↑ Clallam Economic Development Council, "Communities and Ports," accessed July 21, 2021
↑ Port Angeles, "Olympic National Park & Other Local Parks," accessed July 23, 2021
↑ United States Census, "QuickFacts: Clallam County, Washington," accessed July 22, 2021
↑ Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.
↑ United States Census Bureau, "QuickFacts: Port Angeles city, Washington; Clallam County, Washington," accessed July 22, 2021
↑ Peninsula Daily News, "Effort to change Port Angeles city government ongoing amid questions," January 28, 2016
↑ Peninsula Daily News, "Di Guilio chosen as Port Angeles’ mayor after seven votes Tuesday," January 9, 2014
↑ Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce, "Homepage," accessed on July 27, 2021
↑ United States Census Bureau, "QuickFacts: Sequim city, Washington," accessed July 22, 2021
↑ KOMO News, "What Is The Olympic Rain Shadow?," October 4, 2006
↑ Olympic Rain Shadow, "Homepage," accessed July 27, 2021
↑ Data Commons, "Forks," accessed July 22, 2021
↑ Peninsula Daily News, "‘Twilight’ pumps up tourism in Forks, Clallam County," January 4, 2010

About the county

Clallam County is a county in the northwestern corner of Washington. The estimated population in 2020 was 76,770.^[1] The county sits at the westernmost point in the contiguous United States, on the Olympic Peninsula.^[2] Olympic National Park, one of three national parks in Washington, overlaps with parts of Clallam County, as well as the counties of Jefferson, Mason, and Grays Harbor.^[3] Clallam comprises 1,738 square miles, making it the 20th largest county in the state.^[4]

The table below shows demographic information about the county.

Demographic data for Clallam County, Washington (2019)
	Clallam County	Washington
Total population:	77,331	7,614,893
Land area (square miles):	1,738.33	66,456
Race and ethnicity^[5]
White:	87.1%	78.5%
Black/African American:	1.2%	4.4%
Asian:	1.9%	9.6%
Native American:	5.6%	1.9%
Pacific Islander:	.2%	0.8%
Two or more:	4.1%	4.9%
Hispanic/Latino:	6.6%	13%
Education
High school graduation rate:	92.5%	91.3%
College graduation rate:	27.4%	36.0%
Income
Median household income:	$52,192	$73,775
Persons below poverty level:	11.24%	9.8%
Source: All data was taken from the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts"

Clallam County has three incorporated cities—Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks—and a number of unincorporated and Census-designated places.

External links

Footnotes

↑ Washington Employment Security Department, "Clallam County profile," accessed July 22, 2021
↑ Clallam Economic Development Council, "Communities and Ports," accessed July 21, 2021
↑ Port Angeles, "Olympic National Park & Other Local Parks," accessed July 23, 2021
↑ United States Census, "QuickFacts: Clallam County, Washington," accessed July 22, 2021
↑ Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

[1] Washington Secretary of State, "Top 2 Primary: FAQs for Candidates," accessed July 27, 2021

[2] Clallam County, Washington, "FAQ for Candidates -2021," accessed July 27, 2021

[3] United States Census Bureau, "QuickFacts: Sequim city, Washington," accessed July 22, 2021

[4] United States Census Bureau, "Around Four-Fifths of All U.S. Metro Areas Grew Between 2010 and 2020," August 12, 2021

[clallamprofile-5] 5.0 ^5.1 ^5.2 ^5.3 Washington Employment Security Department, "Clallam County profile," accessed July 22, 2021

[6] Clallam Economic Development Council, "Communities and Ports," accessed July 21, 2021

[7] Port Angeles, "Olympic National Park & Other Local Parks," accessed July 23, 2021

[8] United States Census, "QuickFacts: Clallam County, Washington," accessed July 22, 2021

[9] Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

[censusPA-10] United States Census Bureau, "QuickFacts: Port Angeles city, Washington; Clallam County, Washington," accessed July 22, 2021

[11] Peninsula Daily News, "Effort to change Port Angeles city government ongoing amid questions," January 28, 2016

[12] Peninsula Daily News, "Di Guilio chosen as Port Angeles’ mayor after seven votes Tuesday," January 9, 2014

[13] Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce, "Homepage," accessed on July 27, 2021

[14] United States Census Bureau, "QuickFacts: Sequim city, Washington," accessed July 22, 2021

[15] KOMO News, "What Is The Olympic Rain Shadow?," October 4, 2006

[16] Olympic Rain Shadow, "Homepage," accessed July 27, 2021

[17] Data Commons, "Forks," accessed July 22, 2021

[18] Peninsula Daily News, "‘Twilight’ pumps up tourism in Forks, Clallam County," January 4, 2010

[clallamprofile-19] Washington Employment Security Department, "Clallam County profile," accessed July 22, 2021

[20] Clallam Economic Development Council, "Communities and Ports," accessed July 21, 2021

[21] Port Angeles, "Olympic National Park & Other Local Parks," accessed July 23, 2021

[22] United States Census, "QuickFacts: Clallam County, Washington," accessed July 22, 2021

[23] Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

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City elections in Sequim, Washington (November 2, 2021)

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November 8: General election results

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