The Edmonds Civic Roundtable and My Edmond News co-sponsored, the first of its kind "Speed Dating" event allowing roundtable one-on-one discussions between the candidates and Edmonds citizens.
Jay Grant, Edmonds Civic Roundtable Board member moderated the event, and welcomed the attendees to the candidates to the “speed dating” event.
A total of 11 candidates for local elected office hopped from table to table at the Edmonds Waterfront Center Tuesday night. Participants included those running for Edmonds City Council, Edmonds Port Commission and School Board, along with the Verdant Health Commission. But three of Edmonds’ four mayoral candidates — Diane Buckshnis, Mike Rosen and Brad Shipley — also attended and took part in the roundable discussions.
Candidates were given 10 minutes at each table, during which time they were allowed two minutes for opening remarks and eight minutes to take questions from the nearly 100 attendees. Robust discussions were heard around the room on topics ranging from health care to housing to public safety to school budget cuts to zoning.
There was also a “Zoom room” in which each candidate took turns meeting with those attending virtually.
For those who couldn’t attend, a video of candidates’ responses will be made available in the coming week for viewing. Credit: Pictures and text from My Edmonds News.
Vivian Olson, running unopposed for Edmonds City Council Position 5, speaks to her tablemates.
Position 6 Edmonds City Council Candidate Kevin Fagerstrom describes his background.
Edmonds City Council Position 6 incumbent Susan Paine lists her accomplishments during her first council term.
As the digital clock keeps time, Edmonds City Council Position 1 candidate Roger Pence addresses his table.
Edmonds City Council Position 1 candidate Chris Eck listens to a question.
Position 4 Edmonds City Council candidate Mackey Guenther outlines his stance on city issues.
Position 4 Edmonds City Council candidate Michelle Dotsch makes a point.
David Preston, running unopposed for Edmonds Port Commission, listens as table captain Larry Fuell describes the ground rules.
Edmonds School Board President Nancy Katims, running for reelection to District 5 director, talks about school district budget challenges.
awk Cramer is running unopposed for the Edmonds School Board District 3 seat being vacated by Gary Noble.
Karianna Wilson is running for relection to the Verdant Health Commission/Public Hospital District No. 2, Snohomish County.