Ballots for Snohomish County elections have been mailed off and you should have received yours on Saturday.

The only issue on the ballot that is specific to Mountlake Terrace is the primary for Mountlake Terrace City Council Position 7. All other MLT City Council races only have 2 candidates so they won’t appear on the primary.

Running for Position 7 are incumbent John Zambrano, Seaun Richards and Kim Michels. John Zambrano will be seeking his 3rd term as Councilmember.

Click here for more election 2011 coverage from MLTnews.

Below you can find each of the Candidate Statements:

John Zambrano

Occupation: 20 year Navy Veteran/U.S. Navy Fleet Reserve; Retired Postal Employee/Union Trustee

Education: Central Washington University Graduate/Business Administration; Edmonds Community College/Management Degree, Advanced Certified Municipal Leadership Degree from Association of Washington Cities

Personal: Experienced Councilman; 38 year Mountlake Terrace resident; married to Janice (45 years); have three grown children and eight grandchildren

Community Service: President of Emergency Services Coordinating Agency; Council Finance Committee; Graduate of Citizens’ Police Academy; MLT Parks and Recreation Commissioner; American Legion and VFW member

Accomplishments on Council (2003-2011)
Environmental Preservation – Major street improvements – Public safety Programs – Focus on environmental issues including critical areas and conservation strategies – Funding for youth, senior, and community groups – Increased communication via city newsletters, website, press releases – Dog Park Development – School sidewalk funding – Mountlake Terrace voted Best Community – Supported balanced budget leading to multiple Finance Awards – Governor’s Award for the planning of a city town center – Evergreen Awards that build community pride through recognition of property owners.

Statement: My personal commitment principle:
“Working together builds community”

Seaun Richards

With sleeves rolled up, I look forward to representing the citizens of Mountlake Terrace. As a 25 year veteran businessperson with hands on business development, jobs creator and neighborhood advocate, I will work with the council’s lead of aggressive budgeting, protecting neighborhoods, and support and participate in the revitalization of the downtown corridor, and bring in
new businesses to help increase the tax base.

My wife LaRae and I own the Red Onion Restaurant. Our ideas are sweeping the nation by creating local jobs, spending shopping dollars locally, and creating neighborhood events.

With the help of volunteers and local neighborhoods, I am able to host MLT Easter Egg Hunt, MLT Trunk R Treat and SHOP with a Cop.
I am on the Board of Directors of CheeseburgerBabies Foundation and Tour de Terrace.

I am a member of the Mountlake Terrace Business Assocation and South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce.

The Seaun Richards Campaign Team includes an endorsement from Mountlake Terrace Mayor Jerry Smith. I will keep the citizens of Mountlake Terrace informed and ask for feedback through the help of social media.

Like ‘Seaun Richards’ on facebook.

Kim Michels

Kim Michel has over 15 years of experience as a Human Resources professional. Michel is skilled at handling difficult conversations, balancing the interest of the employee versus the organization’s best interests. This experience will be beneficial when serving on the Council as they move forward with tough and sensitive decisions regarding issues such as the Marijuana dispensaries and downtown project.

Michel has her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland. She is also certified as Senior Professional in Human Resources. As a Training and Development Manager, Michel believes creating awareness through education is an essential element to a safe and fun community. In 2006 Michel chose Mountlake Terrace as home. Mountlake Terrace provided convenience to Seattle or Everett, a “small town” feel and opportunity for growth with the plans of the downtown. Michel feels it is important to be involved in the community in which she lives.

In order to be more active in the community Michel joined the Mountlake Terrace Police Advisory Board and is currently participating in the Citizen’s Academy. Michel has experience on the Lake WA Human Resources Association board and her Homeowners board.