Elect Spencer and McDaniel

During the last 10 years, Lake Stevens has been a city built by annexations, growing from about 7,400 residents before 2006 to its current population of 30,000 with the annexations of North Lake, Frontier Village, Soper Hill and areas southwest of the city.

Even though the last major annexation occurred in 2009, Lake Stevens continues to deal with issues related to its growth, including delivery of services, economic development, planning, parks and more, all of which are concerns for those running for city offices.

Along with electing a new mayor, Lake Stevens voters are choosing between two candidates for one of the city council positions. Two others are running unopposed: Newcomer Kurt Hilt is running unopposed for Position 3; Todd Welch is seeking reelection to Position 4.

Lake Stevens Mayor: With current Mayor Vern Little’s decision not to seek reelection, the office now is sought by two current city council members, John Spencer and Marcus Tageant.

Tageant, a city council member since 2010, was born and raised in Lake Stevens. Following service in the U.S. Marines during the Gulf War, Tageant returned to Lake Stevens and now runs a real estate and property management business.

Spencer, who joined the council in 2008, has lived in Lake Stevens for 31 years. He currently is employed by environmental and engineering consultant CH2M Hill as vice president and manager of its management services.

Both Tageant and Spencer appear to share similar perspectives on what’s most ailing Lake Stevens. The city, Tageant says, is still run as if it’s a town of 7,000 rather than a city of 30,000. Spencer agrees, noting the pent-up demand for development and unwelcoming attitude toward new businesses. Both see a need for changes in city departments handling planning, permitting and building services.

Planning for development will be crucial is the city is to enhance quality of life for residents. Both want to see the city’s neighborhoods better connected for pedestrians and cyclists and work continue on its parks, in particular the new Cavelero Hill Park.

Both men appear serious about the commitment required of a new mayor and are well-informed on the issues. Tageant’s background in real estate and development would be of value, but Spencer offers an extremely deep resume in terms of management, which will be key to turning around city departments. Along with his 12 years at CH2M Hill, Spencer previously served as the general manager for the Snohomish Public Utilities District, as director of Seattle Metro’s wastewater utility and a deputy director at the state Department of Ecology. Lake Stevens voters should elect Spencer to the mayor’s office.

Council Position No. 5: Prior to the primary election in August, The Herald Editorial Board endorsed Jeffery Koon for the contested council position. Koon failed to win enough votes to qualify for the general election. Voters selected Rauchel McDaniel and Michael Boe to proceed to the general election.

Boe, retired from the U.S. Air Force, is a corrections sergeant at the Monroe Correctional Complex with 20 years experience. McDaniel, a lifelong city resident, owns the Lake Stevens Mini Mart and Gourmet Cup Espresso.

While our choice in the primary was Koon, the board was impressed with McDaniel’s perspective as a business owner and her concern for protection of the city’s namesake lake. She also shares the concerns of the mayoral candidates regarding management of the city’s planning and building departments. McDaniel merits election to the city council.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.