Geraldine O'Mahony (Ellensburg City Council Position 1, Washington, candidate 2025)

Geraldine O'Mahony

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Nonpartisan

Candidate, Ellensburg City Council Position 1

Elections and appointments

Last election

August 5, 2025

Education

Graduate

McGill University, 2006

Personal

Profession

Consultant

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Personal Facebook

Personal Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

Geraldine O'Mahony ran for election to the Ellensburg City Council Position 1 in Washington. She was on the ballot in the primary on August 5, 2025.^[source]

O'Mahony completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Geraldine O'Mahony provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on July 6, 2025:

• High school: St. John Fisher Secondary School
• PhD: University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015
• Graduate: McGill University, 2006
• Graduate: University of Edinburgh, 2004
• Gender: Female
• Profession: Consultant
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: Committed to Progress, Dedicated to You
• Campaign website
• Campaign Facebook

Elections

General election

General election for Ellensburg City Council Position 1

Nancy Lillquist and John Sinclair are running in the general election for Ellensburg City Council Position 1 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Nancy Lillquist (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	John Sinclair (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Ellensburg City Council Position 1

Nancy Lillquist, Geraldine O'Mahony, and John Sinclair ran in the primary for Ellensburg City Council Position 1 on August 5, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Nancy Lillquist (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Geraldine O'Mahony (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	John Sinclair (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Endorsements

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Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Geraldine O'Mahony completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by O'Mahony's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Dr. Geraldine O’Mahony, a long-time advocate for democracy, human rights, and inclusive governance. I’ve spent over 15 years working globally—particularly across African contexts—as a strategic advisor, educator, and international election observer. My experience includes serving with the Irish government, European Union, OSCE, and the National Democratic Institute, contributing to transparent and fair electoral processes in countries facing complex governance challenges. Closer to home, I’ve lived and worked in Ellensburg since 2013, serving as a professor at Central Washington University and as a member of the Planning Commission since 2019. I bring a passion for community-driven development and a deep commitment to equity and public service. Whether leading university initiatives, mentoring the next generation, or shaping policy through research and advocacy, I strive to empower communities and create inclusive spaces where all voices are heard.

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?

• Inclusive, Transparent Local Government I believe Ellensburg should work for everyone. I’m committed to making City Council more accessible and accountable—by ensuring decisions are community-informed, equitable, and clearly communicated. Transparency builds trust, and trust builds stronger neighborhoods.
• Smart Growth that Preserves Community Values As a longtime Planning Commissioner, I understand the pressures of development and the importance of planning that respects Ellensburg’s identity. I will advocate for thoughtful growth that protects what we love about our town—while making room for families, businesses, and future generations to thrive.
• Putting Experience to Work for Ellensburg From global election monitoring to local campus leadership, I bring proven skills in governance, policy, and public service. I’ve spent my career solving complex problems, listening across differences, and building consensus. I’m ready to bring that experience home—working side-by-side with our community to make Ellensburg better for all.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm deeply passionate about democracy, human rights, and inclusive governance—both globally and locally. I care about building institutions that people can trust and participate in meaningfully. At the local level in, this translates into public policies that promote equity, transparency, and community engagement in decision-making.

I’m particularly focused on:

Affordable and accessible housing – ensuring everyone, from students to seniors, has a secure place to call home.

Sustainable and thoughtful development – shaping growth that preserves Ellensburg’s character while meeting future needs.

Civic engagement and youth empowerment – creating space for more voices, especially underrepresented groups, to shape our community’s future.

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

What makes a City Council seat unique is its proximity to the people and its power to shape daily life in immediate, tangible ways. Unlike state or federal roles, City Council members are directly accessible—we see our neighbors at the grocery store, walk the same streets, and hear concerns in real time. That closeness brings both accountability and opportunity.

This office plays a critical role in:

Interpreting and implementing state laws at the local level—from zoning and housing to environmental regulations and public safety.

Managing public resources and services—including utilities, infrastructure, parks, and emergency response.

Being a legal and democratic check on administrative decisions and ensuring that local ordinances align with broader constitutional values and community needs.

City Councils are where democracy becomes personal. They are the first line of representation, often the first to respond to community concerns, and the foundation of our larger state and national systems.

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

I look up to Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. She has long been a role model for me—not only because she broke barriers as Ireland’s first female president, but because she led with principle, compassion, and clarity of purpose.

Her work has always reflected a deep commitment to human dignity, justice, and the environment. Whether advocating for marginalized communities or confronting global powers on climate and human rights, she’s shown that moral courage belongs in politics, and that leadership can—and should—be rooted in empathy.

Her example reminds me that real change often begins with simply refusing to look away—and having the courage to act when it matters most.

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

One book I often return to is “The Politics of the Governed” by Partha Chatterjee. It challenges the idea that democracy is only what happens in elections, and instead focuses on how ordinary people—especially in marginalized communities—claim space in political systems that weren’t designed for them. It reminds me that real democracy happens between elections, in the daily acts of organizing, questioning, and participating.

For a more accessible or personal lens, I also recommend “The Seventh Room,” a documentary about the life of Edith Stein—a philosopher and activist who believed deeply in empathy, ethics, and the dignity of others, even in the face of oppression. It speaks to the moral courage I believe public service requires.

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

To me, the most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, empathy, and courage.

Integrity means doing what’s right even when it’s difficult or unpopular, and always being honest with the public.

Accountability is about transparency—owning decisions, being clear about why they’re made, and listening when people push back.

Empathy is essential for understanding how policies affect real lives. You have to care deeply about the people you serve.

Courage means standing up for what you believe in, especially when advocating for marginalized communities or long-overdue changes.

An elected official should act as a steward—not just of public resources, but of community trust. That’s a responsibility I take seriously.

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

I bring a combination of deep policy expertise, real-world problem-solving experience, and a lifelong commitment to public service. I’ve worked in complex political environments around the world—often in post-conflict or transitional settings—which has taught me how to listen carefully, think strategically, and act with integrity under pressure.

Locally, my experience on the Ellensburg Planning Commission has given me a strong understanding of how city government functions and how to navigate growth, equity, and community needs.

I’m also someone who builds bridges. I know how to bring people together across differences to find common ground and move forward. I care deeply about transparency, inclusivity, and doing the work with humility and persistence.

Most importantly, I show up. I’ve done it my whole life—from standing by forgotten graves as an official mourner to standing up for human rights on the global stage. I bring that same sense of duty to serving Ellensburg.

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

I believe the core responsibilities of a City Council member are to listen to the community, make informed decisions, and ensure that local government serves everyone fairly and effectively.

That means:

Representing the public’s voice—not just those who speak the loudest, but all residents, including students, families, seniors, and those who often feel unheard.

Setting policies and priorities that guide Ellensburg’s growth, sustainability, housing, infrastructure, and overall well-being.

Overseeing the city budget and operations to ensure transparency, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with community values.

Working collaboratively with fellow councilmembers, staff, and citizens to solve problems and build a stronger, more inclusive Ellensburg.

At its heart, this role is about service, stewardship, and making decisions that reflect both the needs of today and the hopes we have for tomorrow.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I’d like my legacy to be one of integrity, inclusion, and lasting impact—that I showed up, listened deeply, and helped make Ellensburg a place where more people felt seen, heard, and valued.

I want to be remembered as someone who brought people together, who made decisions not just for the next budget cycle but for the next generation. Whether it’s creating more accessible housing, preserving the spirit of our town as we grow, or making city government more transparent and responsive—I want to leave behind a stronger civic foundation than I found.

Ultimately, I hope people will say: she stood for justice, she led with purpose, and she never forgot who she was serving.

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

One of the first historical events I remember clearly was the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. I was 12 at the time. I remember watching it on television—people chipping away at the wall, climbing over, hugging strangers, crying with joy. I didn’t fully grasp the geopolitics, but I understood something monumental was happening—that barriers were coming down, that people were claiming freedom.

It left a deep impression on me. Even then, I felt the power of collective action and the importance of human rights. That moment helped shape my lifelong interest in democracy, justice, and how ordinary people can change the course of history.

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

My very first job was as an official mourner. When someone was being buried but had no family or friends present, I would stand beside the grave. It was quiet work, but deeply meaningful. I was there to make sure no one was buried alone—to bear witness, to honor a life, even if I knew nothing about it.

That experience shaped how I think about dignity, community, and responsibility. It taught me that every person matters, and that sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply show up. That lesson has stayed with me in every role I've taken since.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is Anne of Green Gables. I first read it as a child, and Anne’s imagination, resilience, and sense of wonder completely captivated me. She was bold, curious, and unafraid to be different—qualities I admired then and still hold dear.

I loved it so much that I chose to get married on Prince Edward Island in Canada, where the story is set. It felt like stepping into a place that had shaped my imagination and values—about home, belonging, and the beauty of seeing the world with open eyes.

It’s a book that reminds me, even now, to embrace joy, stand firm in who you are, and never lose your sense of possibility.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I’d want to be Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables. She’s imaginative, fiercely independent, and deeply committed to the people and places she loves. Anne finds beauty in the ordinary, speaks her mind (sometimes too freely), and grows into someone who uses her voice and heart to make a difference.

Plus, she turned a humble farmhouse on Prince Edward Island into a world full of possibility—and that kind of hopeful, grounded vision is something I really admire.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The last song that got stuck in my head was “Thousands Are Sailing” by The Pogues. It’s one of those songs that stays with you—not just the melody, but the story. It’s about emigration, hope, loss, and resilience—all themes that resonate deeply with me, personally and politically.

It captures the longing for a better life, the complexity of leaving home, and the quiet strength of those who endure. No surprise it lodged itself in my head—it speaks to so much of what drives my work and worldview.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One struggle in my life has been carving out a path that didn’t always follow conventional expectations. I’ve often worked in spaces—both internationally and here at home—where I was the only woman in the room, or where speaking up for equity and justice came at a personal or professional cost.

At times, it’s been isolating. But it’s also shaped who I am. It’s taught me how to hold firm in my values, how to navigate resistance with clarity and patience, and how to build alliances even in challenging environments.

That struggle has also given me deep empathy for others who feel unseen, unheard, or pushed to the margins. It drives my commitment to making government more accessible, inclusive, and humane—because I know what it feels like to have to fight to belong.

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

One little-known but incredibly important responsibility of the City Council is its role in shaping land use and zoning policy. These decisions directly impact what kind of housing is built, where businesses can open, how neighborhoods develop, and whether our city grows in a way that is inclusive and sustainable. These choices affect affordability, traffic, environmental impact, and the long-term character of Ellensburg.

Another often-overlooked power is the ability to appoint members to local boards and commissions, including those overseeing planning, historic preservation, utilities, and more. These appointments quietly shape city priorities and policies—so it matters deeply who is chosen and how transparent that process is.

Finally, the Council helps set the tone and culture for local government. From how meetings are run to how the public is engaged, Councilmembers influence whether residents feel heard, respected, and empowered to participate.

People may not always realize how much influence local government has—but that’s exactly why it matters who’s at the table.

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

Yes—but with a big caveat. Experience in government or politics can be beneficial, especially when it comes to understanding process, budgets, and how to get things done effectively. My own background—as a Planning Commissioner, educator, and international election observer—has shown me how important it is to know how systems work and how to navigate them with integrity.

That said, experience should never be a barrier to entry. What matters most is a genuine commitment to public service, a willingness to listen and learn, and the courage to lead with principle. Local government thrives when it brings together seasoned voices and new perspectives.

We need both: people who understand the mechanics of governance, and people who challenge the status quo with fresh ideas. That’s how we build a City Council that truly reflects and serves the whole community.

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

The most helpful skills for someone serving on City Council include active listening, strategic thinking, community engagement, and a strong understanding of policy and budgeting.

You need to be able to:

Understand complex information and explain it clearly to the public.

Collaborate across differences—whether political, generational, or cultural.

Balance short-term needs with long-term planning, especially around growth, infrastructure, and sustainability.

Work transparently and ethically, because public trust is essential.

It’s also valuable to have experience with public systems, equity-focused decision-making, and navigating government processes—skills I’ve developed through international and local work in governance, education, and planning. But above all, the most important qualities are humility, curiosity, and a deep commitment to serving your community.

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

This office is unique because it sits at the intersection of community voice and public power. City Councilmembers are often the most direct link between residents and the decisions that shape their daily lives—from how we grow as a city, to how we invest in infrastructure, safety, housing, and the environment.

What makes it especially important is:

The ability to shape local policy with lasting impact—zoning, development, and budgeting decisions made at this level influence Ellensburg for generations.

Proximity to the people—Councilmembers live, work, and serve right alongside the community. That closeness brings both trust and accountability.

A leadership role in setting the tone for local government—ensuring transparency, respect, and public participation.

In a time when many feel disconnected from politics, local government is where democracy feels personal. And that makes the office both powerful and profoundly important.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Knock knock.

Who’s there?
Europe.
Europe who?
(You kind of have to say it out loud to get it… 😄)

I love a good joke that’s simple, a little cheeky, and brings people together with a laugh. Humor is underrated in politics—it reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously, even when we’re doing serious work.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable in a healthy democracy. Public trust is built when people know how decisions are made, where money is going, and whether policies are truly serving the community.

Having worked internationally in democracy and governance—including observing elections and advising governments—I’ve seen firsthand what happens when transparency is lacking: public disillusionment, poor outcomes, and a weakening of democratic institutions.

At the local level, this means:

Budgets should be clear and accessible, not buried in jargon.

Decisions should be documented and open to public scrutiny, especially around contracts, development, and public spending.

Elected officials should actively invite accountability, not avoid it—by engaging with residents, responding to concerns, and being honest about mistakes.

Government doesn’t work unless it’s working for the people—and that starts with being open and answerable.

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Other survey responses

Ballotpedia identified the following surveys, interviews, and questionnaires O'Mahony completed for other organizations. If you are aware of a link that should be added, email us.

• VoteWA Profile

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