Key races in the primary election impact land use, public safety, taxes, education, medical care, and more.
Voters in Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties will decide on Aug. 5 which candidates advance to the general election in their bids to become mayors, county council members, city council members, port commissioners, or hospital district commissioners.
Those who win in November will create land use rules, set policy, enact public safety laws, approve taxes and spending, and make decisions affecting local education and medical care.
And we pay their salaries — in some cases, quite decently. Anacortes city council member Ryan Walters is unopposed in his bid to become that city’s mayor, which pays about $124,000 a year.
“The people you vote for affect your daily life,” said Barbara Sharp, co-president of the League of Women Voters of San Juan County. “That’s why we have candidate forums, so citizens can make informed choices. Voter registration, promoting voter rights and making sure voters are informed are part of the League of Women Voters’ mission.”
All told, 13 offices in the three-county region are on the primary ballot. Scroll down to learn more about candidate positions by county.
Whatcom County
District 2 County Council
Seven candidates are vying for two positions on the Whatcom County Council: in District 2, Elizabeth Boyle, owner of a small business; Mike Cullum, school administrator and county civil service commissioner; and Maya Morales, county charter review commissioner. In District 3, Tyler Byrd, incumbent; Kyle Christensen, former mayor of Sumas; Daniel Probst, small-business owner and volunteer public lands steward; and Jessica Rienstra, nurse practitioner and county charter review commissioner.
The ultimate winners will face such issues as Nooksack Basin water rights adjudication, federal enforcement of immigration laws, construction of a new county jail, flood mitigation planning, fare increases for the Lummi Island Ferry, establishing an agricultural research station at Boxx Farm, the county’s forest policy and hiring an independent lawyer for the county council.
Council members are elected to four-year terms and are paid $6,596 a month, according to the county budget.
Housing affordability is a top priority for Boyle. “I’m a board member at the YWCA, where we care for unsheltered women and children, and I just look at housing as foundational for public health,” she said in an online forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Bellingham / Whatcom County. “We need to think about zoning changes and what we can do to encourage housing. What kind of community response can we have to just take care of each other?”
Boyle wants to see more community conversations about issues. “I do a lot of work facilitating and consulting with local nonprofits and local government, and the most amazing wisdom comes from our people,” she said. “We’re doing some really cool work around reentry, and we’re involving people that have experience in having served time in jail, and we learned so much from them by gathering with them at tables and learning. It’s not a program or service; it’s an approach.”
Boyle supports expanded behavioral health services, affordable childcare and environmental protections and believes polarization can be thawed by leadership that listens and works across differences to get things done.
“Polarization happens when people don’t feel heard,” she said in the forum. “I think there’s a lot of potential in building relationships, building trust and being transparent in our process so that no one feels like anything’s being done behind the scenes.”
Cullum’s top priority is public safety — behavioral health as well as supporting law enforcement and EMS services.
“Our sheriff’s department needs new facilities and more staffing — not only for patrol, but also for the corrections facility. That’s a safety issue for our corrections officers as well as for the inmates,” Cullum said.
“One of the main purposes of the county council is the safety of our citizens. It’s twofold: supporting our first responders who respond to behavioral health issues and providing a resource and support for those struggling with behavioral health.”
He supports having mental health counselors respond with law enforcement to calls in which someone may be having a mental health crisis and more wraparound services for families and those struggling with substance abuse and housing stability.
“Many of us have seen how mental health struggles affect loved ones,” he said in his candidate statement. “Why this matters: When people get the support they need, lives improve.”
Morales would “make space for more interaction” between council members and the public, and sponsored two charter amendments to institute town halls for all council members. She said the biggest needs in the county are emergency weather shelter and affordable housing.
“I’ve been putting in a lot of work for several years on this topic. I passed a major housing platform through (the Democratic) party. I also have advocated for rent stabilization and renter protections, as well as money in our state capital budget to support services and make sure that we don’t leak any of that funding out into other stuff, that we really keep those supports in place.”
Morales said the political divide in our community and nation can be bridged by addressing the “real economic, urgent life situations” that have made stability precarious for so many people.
“I see on our council a need to get down to the basics of ‘What makes us human?’ and ‘What does every human need?, and really speak at that level when we look at solutions for our county,” she said. “It’s just so important for everyone at the table, whenever you have different positioning, to at least get down to the human basics — every human deserves this, this and this. I think that’s the best we can do with this divide right now.”
District 3 County Council
District 3 candidate Byrd wants to rein in county spending.
“You look at some of the issues that we’re having tracking our spending — the road fund, the ferry fund, general health fund, and the behavioral health fund — we have way overallocated and now we’re trying to borrow from one fund to pay another,” he said. “We’re trying to freeze positions. But ultimately it’s compounding and it’s getting worse, and we really are going to have to solve that.”
Some ideas: slowing down hiring, leasing rather than buying real estate, using AI for meeting transcriptions, reducing leased equipment such as printers, and reducing the need for more workspaces by allowing remote work and flex days.
Byrd’s recommendation for thawing the political polarization: “Regardless of who you are or who your elected official is, when you see someone doing a good job, let them know. And if you are on the other side politically, let them know that too,” he said. “And the same goes, if they’re not doing a good job — if they’re on your side or the other side — share that as well. If we can do that and let electeds know that there is support on both sides, I think that will bring things back.”
Christensen, too, is most concerned about fiscal responsibility.
“Higher taxes are making it harder for people and businesses to be successful in Whatcom County,” he said in the forum. “People and businesses are struggling because of this tax burden and rising housing costs. We need to be responsible and transparent when it comes to spending and budgeting at the county level. … What voters want to see is, what are we doing with the money that we’ve been given and how can we keep that affordable for people so that businesses will continue to invest in our community.”
Christensen supports trimming the budget but spending on priority items like public safety and law enforcement. “The conditions of the current jail have been deteriorating for years,” he said. “We’ve had money set aside for that and we need to make that a priority, because we need to have a new facility that meets all of the safety and sanitary requirements. And we need a new building for our Sheriff’s Office patrol division as well. That’s been a need for years.”
Christensen said budget trimming would be informed by a cost benefit analysis of county programs. “With homelessness, I feel like there should be more money going toward rehabilitation and helping people that are struggling with mental illness and with addictions,” he said. “We need to put more money toward getting people back on their feet, instead of just all these other homeless programs we haven’t seen a benefit from.”
Probst wants to see better communication between city, county and state agencies on issues of mutual interest. “I see a lot of miscommunication. Through emails, it’s pretty easy to do,” he said. “(We need to) spend time connecting with other agencies, making sure we’re finding out what the barriers are and where the opportunities are to work together.”
Probst said there are inefficiencies that can be addressed, with the savings invested in community services. “Coming from a recreation background, I believe that we should be providing more services in our parks,” he said. “We could follow Bellingham’s lead in providing events in public spaces to build community, something that we’re lacking at the county right now.”
Rienstra said a performance audit of major county programs — especially housing, homelessness response, public health and permitting — would help strengthen delivery of those services and “ensure that there are resources that are reaching those that are most in need, and that folks aren’t being left out, and to reduce any bureaucratic waste that might be found.”
She said relationship and community building would yield big results.
“We’re an incredibly diverse county, and that really is one of the strengths of ours,” she said. “We don’t all need to think the same, we don’t need to act the same. But leaning into those areas where we do have common goals — justice and public safety, health care services and mental health access, looking at ways to increase economic development and tourism — there’s a lot where we can really come together and work together.
Skagit County
Anacortes Port Commission
One of the most-watched campaigns in Skagit County is Anacortes Port Commission Position 1. Two of three candidates will advance to the general election: Terry Carroll-Gillis, a retired Navy command master chief; Mary LaFleur, longtime member of the port’s Marina Advisory Committee; and Michael McClintock, a retired Navy flight officer.
Why the election matters: The port district has its third executive director in 21 months and the five-member commission will have two new members come January. The port district owns Anacortes Airport, Cap Sante Marina, Curtis Wharf and industrial properties in Anacortes and March Point. A looming decision: whether to restore the 112-year-old Marine Supply and Hardware building in Old Town Anacortes or redevelop the site.
Port commissioners are elected to four-year terms and are paid $285 a month and receive $128 per diem for attending port meetings and functions.
Carroll-Gillis is a 45-year Navy veteran who, as a senior petty officer, advocated for sailors and families throughout her career. She said she also did a stint as a budget and financial analyst managing a $43 million budget on research and development. She is president of the Skyline Homeowners Association.
“I value integrity and transparency, which I also equate to honesty as well as kindness,” she said at the July 8 forum sponsored by Fidalgo Democrats. “I’ll focus on growth, commerce, trade, tourism, family wage jobs and public use, all ensuring the health of the port for the future.”
Carroll-Gillis believes the port should partner with the city in building an event center, which was proposed several years ago in anticipation of the closure of the Transit Shed at the port’s Pier 1. The marine warehouse, used for many years as a community events venue, has returned to maritime use.
“I believe that it belongs there,” Carroll-Gillis said. “I’ve been going door to door, I hear a lot of people talk about how much they miss that Transit Shed and it does bring people together. All these great activities that I looked forward to every year and people actually came to attend them.”
Carroll-Gillis said her skill sets, experience and education make her a good candidate. “I understand how businesses work,” she said. “I have an executive MBA and I’m very passionate about business and supporting businesses.”
LaFleur is a marine specialist in the insurance industry with a 37-year presence in Cap Sante Marina. She served for 10 years on the port’s Marina Advisory Committee and for 15 years in the Northwest Marine Trades Association. She brought the Anacortes Boat and Yacht Show to Cap Sante Marina in 2017.
She told attendees at the July 8 forum that the port needs to “stay in its lane” — trade, tourism and family wage jobs. “During my 10 years on the Marina Advisory Committee, the port has hired lots of consultants and architects to formulate plans that go nowhere at a huge expense,” she said. “The people should be asked first before we move forward with the money.”
LaFleur said the port needs to plan ahead for improvements to the north end of Cap Sante Marina, which she said is about “aged out” and will cost about $70 million. “Over half the port’s income comes from this asset,” she said. “We need a plan and we need to start now. I’m also concerned that our deepwater terminal is not functioning at what is considered full capacity. We can do better without adding costly infrastructure.”
LaFleur talked about the potential at Anacortes Airport. She said some airplane owners have asked her why hangars can’t have a second-floor apartment or office like the ones at Roche Harbor Skyways on San Juan Island. “I think it’s a great idea,” she said.
LaFleur is opposed to the port being a partner in developing an event center. “There is the Majestic Inn. There is the Swinomish Casino and Lodge and there is the MJB property, where a 400-seat event center with hotel and restaurant are planned,” she said. “MJB will be taking the risk. They will be spending the money and they will pay a third less to build it. If anything goes wrong, they’ve got the risk, not us, so we don’t have to come back to you to pay for it.” She said an event center at Cap Sante Marina would further congest streets there.
“Between the noise and the parking and then just the investment itself, it’s not in the port’s lane,” she said. “We are not in the entertainment business. We are a port and we should focus on that.”
McClintock served in the Navy for 27 years and is active in Rotary, VFW, American Legion and Project Healing Waters. He’s also a member of the University of Idaho Military and Veterans Committee.
He talked about the mission of the port: Promoting maritime trades, growing jobs, protecting the environment and growing revenue. “I believe the primary job is to ensure economic return and jobs,” he said. “My vision would be to grow revenue by 10% every year and I’d like to see the number of jobs increase by 6% every single year.
He, too, believes the port should be a partner in the event center.
“Is it part of the port’s mission to have an event center? No, it’s not part of the mission. Do I think the port should play an active role in an event center? Absolutely, 100%,” he said.
An event center would draw the community together, he said, “and I think this is an area where the port commissioners and city council need to reach across the aisle and sit down and together devise a plan to establish a new event center.”
See candidate forums organized by the League of Women Voters of Skagit County.
San Juan County
Mayor of Friday Harbor
Victoria Compton, executive director of the San Juan County Economic Development Council, said the race for mayor of Friday Harbor has been “interestingly peppy” for the first time in her 30-plus years on San Juan Island.
Four candidates hope to advance from the primary for mayor of Friday Harbor: artist Pamela Hoke; incumbent Ray Jackson; hospital district assistant superintendent Evan Perrollaz; and Emilio Santiago, archaeologist and cartographer at San Juan Island National Historical Park.
Why the election matters: Friday Harbor has a population of 2,747, is the only incorporated town in San Juan County and is the county seat. It’s the economic center of the island. Washington State Ferries has a terminal here and the town is a U.S. port of entry. The mayor is the chief executive officer of the town, though management of daily operations is delegated to a town administrator. The mayor is elected to a four-year term and is paid $13,200 a year. [A candidate forum was held by the League of Women Voters of San Juan County earlier this month.]
Jackson was accused by the council in March 2024 of overstepping his authority when he wrote letters to the county regarding a water-use issue. Jackson sent the letters without letting the council review them first as they had requested. Discussion about the mayor’s authority devolved into a shouting match, raising further questions about Jackson’s communication style.
Jackson responded that the town has a mayor-council form of government. “I will reiterate that I didn’t do anything that was outside the scope of what I was supposed to do as the mayor of this town, and if I had to do it again I would do exactly the same thing,” he said in a council session.
Jackson, owner of an internet and satellite service company, was a newcomer to Friday Harbor politics when he was elected mayor in 2021. He is the town’s chief executive officer, but much of the responsibility of managing the daily operations of government is delegated to a full-time town administrator.
“Serving as mayor of Friday Harbor these past 3.5 years has been a privilege,” he said in his campaign statement. “Together, we’ve made great strides in community growth and sustainability. Yet, there is more to accomplish to further improve life for our residents and build on our successes. I am committed to continuing this important work and would be honored to serve another four years, working alongside you to shape an even brighter future for Friday Harbor.”
Hoke said she would bring a collaborative leadership style to the mayor’s office.
“My career, educational and life experiences have uniquely prepared me to guide us through this pivotal moment, into our next frontier of resilience,” she said in her campaign statement. “I will prioritize clear communications and engagement, and foster more collaborative partnerships with the Home Trust, San Juan County, our small businesses and all organizations that work hard to serve us.”
Hoke’s community involvement ranges from Soroptimist International to seafood festival promotions. She is a nature artist, author and brand strategist. She has degrees from University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy & Social Governance and The Ohio State University.
“I offer decades of leadership in business, arts, environment and education, strategic collaborative communications and nonprofit service — the values-driven leadership Friday Harbor deserves.”
Perrollaz is co-owner of two local businesses — San Juan Island Roasters and Dockside Treasures — and president of Cannery Village Homeowners Association. He is deputy superintendent of the local hospital district, which contracts with Peace Health for operation of Peace Island Medical Center. The hospital district also owns San Juan Island EMS and Village at the Harbor Assisted Living.
Perrollaz said he is most concerned about rising housing costs and strained public services.
“With 20-plus years in senior living and healthcare, and as deputy superintendent of San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1, I expanded care, improved wages and benefits, and added Medicaid beds at Village at the Harbor,” he said in his campaign statement.
“I launched Village at Home to help seniors stay on the island. I’m ready to bring that focus, collaborative leadership, and strong accountability to the mayor’s office — strengthening our community so people thrive while preserving our island’s natural beauty.”
Santiago is an archaeologist and cartographer for San Juan Island National Historical Park. He’s a wildland fire and disaster response adviser and a National Park Service search and rescue team leader. His community involvement includes the Stewardship Network of the San Juans and the San Juan Historical Society.
“Twelve years working with federal, tribal and state entities have prepared me to be a mayor that will collaborate with residents, town council, and the county to accomplish our common goals,” he said.
Compton, a former Friday Harbor port commissioner and business owner, said she expects affordability and jobs creation to be paramount issues for the winner of the November election. The median home price on San Juan Island is $878,000, according to Realtor.com. The median household income countywide is $83,682.
“I’ve greatly appreciated working with elected officials from all governmental entities in San Juan County and beyond, and my hope for future electeds is that they understand the value of high-wage jobs in the community and workforce training,” Compton told Salish Current.
“We’ve got some very strong industries, but sometimes the wages make it harder for workers to live in San Juan County. Focusing on ways we can mitigate that is always beneficial. There’s endless pressure on our real estate market. It’s a housing issue and it’s also a wages issue, because if people can’t afford to live in a community, that says something wrong about the underlying structure of the economy, right?”
The underlying structure is visitor dollars, which are influenced by economic and political factors outside of the town and county’s control. Hotel-motel tax revenue is down about 4%; Compton said some of that might have been from a reduction in visitors from Canada.
“Our economy is looking slightly softer than last year and we’re kind of holding our breath to see if policies and legislation on the federal level are going to change that in any way,” she said.
— By Richard Arlin Walker