News - Local News

POSTED: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009

Election Day nears, ballots due soon

Whatcom County voters will be making some big decisions this week, ones that could change local government policy.

Ballots for the Tuesday, Nov. 3, election must be postmarked by that day. County Auditor Shirley Forslof advises that people mail their ballots at least a day early, because local mail is postmarked in Everett.

Local races will decide Lynden's next mayor, could influence how Bellingham's waterfront planning proceeds and how Whatcom County plans for growth in rural areas near cities.

Two Port of Bellingham Commission seats are open, with District 1 Commissioner Scott Walker challenged by longtime community activist John Blethen, and District 2 Commissioner Doug Smith challenged by Lettered Streets activist Michael McAuley.

Four County Council seats are up for grabs, meaning the current progressive majority could swing to a conservative council that might focus on relaxing certain regulations, from septic tank inspection requirements to shoreline rules that seek to protect Puget Sound, lakes and streams.

Former County Councilman Dan McShane is seeking re-election. His opponent is small-business owner and U.S. Navy veteran Kathy Kershner. Both are seeking the District 1 seat being vacated by Ward Nelson.

In District 2, County Planning Commissioner Ken Mann is vying for the seat against small-business owner Mary Beth Teigrob.

In District 3, incumbent Councilman Carl Weimer is challenged by Lummi Island resident and small-business owner Michelle Luke.

The at-large seat is also up for grabs, as County Councilman Seth Fleetwood seeks a seat on the Bellingham City Council. District 2 Councilwoman Laurie Caskey-Schreiber is running for the at-large seat against Lynden small-business owner Bill Knutzen.

In Bellingham, two City Council seats are up for grabs. Fairhaven activist Michael Lilliquist and Democratic Party activist Catherine Chambers seeking the Ward 6 seat being vacated by Councilwoman Barbara Ryan.

Seth Fleetwood the only official candidate for the at-large seat being vacated by Councilwoman Louise Bjornson, but local accountant Orphalee Smith has mounted a write-in campaign for the position.

Ballots can be mailed, or can be taken to the drop box outside the County Courthouse from now until 8 p.m. Election Day.

These other ballot drop-off sites will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 3:

• Blaine City Hall 344 H St.

• Deming Library 5044 Mount Baker Highway.

• Everson Library 104 Kirsch Drive.

• Ferndale Library 2222 Main St.

• Lynden Library 216 Fourth St.

• Western Washington University, Viking Union, Room 714.