Local Mayoral, Council Seats Up for Primary Election August 6

Bonney Lake and Sumner voters should be receiving, if you haven't already, your voters' pamphlets in the mail this week as two races need paring down to two candidates before the general election in November.

Ballots are expected to be mailed Friday, July 19, according to Pierce County Elections.

Three candidates are vying for the position of Bonney Lake mayor including incumbent Neil Johnson, current City Councilman Jim Rackley and Mike Munson.

Four candidates are listed for the position of Sumner City Council Position No. 1 currently held by incumbent Ed Hannus. He is challenged by three others: Melony Pederson, Jody Wilkins and Earle Stuard.

Last week, the Tacoma News Tribune weighed in with endorsements for Johnson in Bonney Lake and for challenger Stuard in Sumner.

Of the recently failed metropolitan parks district vote that dots his record, the TNT wrote:

"Johnson may have badly underestimated public support, but he’s right to seek a stable funding source for parks; they’re badly needed in the fast-growing community. He’s done a good job overall in his two terms, and the city’s credit rating rose from A to AA+ during the recession. There’s been little staff turnover, and he hired the city’s first female police chief."

The newspaper further asserted that for nearby Sumner, Stuard presents an opportunity.

"In addition to his Planning Commission experience, he’s a retired assistant finance director for the city of Bellevue who would bring professional budgeting expertise to the council. He also seeks to improve the level of discourse at council meetings, which he characterizes as sometimes 'embarrassing.'"

Do you agree with these endorsements? Share your thoughts in our comments below.