The official filing period came and went on Friday for the 2013 election and the wild ride ended with a very crowded field in Kenmore. Candidates had until 4:30 p.m. to file with King County and choose a position for which to run.
Kenmore City Council Position 2 will be interesting during the August primary as four residents have thrown their hats in the ring. Incumbent Laurie Sperry, who has served since 2006, is seeking a third term.
Kenmore Planning Commission member Dennis Mendrey was the first to apply to challenge her, according to King County Elections. Mendrey, 63, is a Kenmore real estate agent with Rise Realty LLC. But he is not alone as Kenmore residents Mark Prince and Bob Black have also joined the race.
Position 4 incumbent and Deputy Mayor Bob Hensel will retire from the council following this term.
Residents Nigel Herbig, Patrick O’Brien and Charles Crouch are listed as running for the position.
Herbig said in a release earlier this week that he has been endorsed by the retiring Hensel.
“I was saddened when I learned that Deputy Mayor had decided not to run for a third term,” said Herbig in the statement. “I am pleased to be able to say, though, that the first endorsement I am announcing is from Councilmember Hensel. I hope to follow in his footsteps, and continue his style of compassionate leadership on the Kenmore City Council.”
Hensel was first elected to council in 2003.
“Nigel cares deeply about Kenmore,” said the deputy mayor. “He has worked hard to make the Kenmore City Council meetings more accessible to folks who can’t make it in person. Nigel’s values are Kenmore values – he will help make our government more open and transparent, and will work to make sure that every child can walk safely to school. We need someone with Nigel’s passion, background, and energy to be our next generation of leadership here in Kenmore.”
Herbig is also endorsed by Kenmore’s entire state delegation.
“Working with Nigel every day, it is apparent how much he cares for Kenmore – he knows the issues Kenmore is facing, and would make a great addition to their City Council,” said State Rep. Jessyn Farrell (D-46).
Crouch, 30, is a former Navy SEAL and affiliate owner and operator of CrossFit Kenmore, which he opened two years ago.
“As a father, husband, neighbor, and Kenmore business owner, I understand the challenges and wants of our people,” said Crouch, who has lived in Kenmore for three years. “I first served our great country as a Navy Seal, and now I want to serve the city of Kenmore. I look forward to adding another voice of leadership, expertise, and experience to Kenmore’s City Council.”
O’Brien has run for council in the past and has been active within the Kenmore community for years. He has been an advocate for environmental issues within the city.
Incumbent Allan Van Ness, who has held Position 6 since 2005, is currently slated to run against Kenmore residents Ken Smith and environmental activist Elizabeth Mooney. Mooney has been active in People for an Environmentally Responsible Kenmore (PERK).
Only Sperry and Van Ness have thus far filed appropriate paperwork with the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC), according to its website. Sperry filed with the PDC on May 10, while Van Ness filed on May 9.
