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During Tuesday’s election, voters will decide which candidates will be filling a number of different municipal positions, including Chehalis City Council district 4 for a four-year term.
The position became open earlier this year when Chehalis City Councilor Isaac Pope, who has been on the council since 1987, announced he would not be seeking re-election.
Running against one another for that position are candidates Karen Laufenberg and Jody Kyes.
The Chronicle attempted to schedule interviews with both candidates to learn more about them and what is driving them to run, and offered both multiple opportunities to answer questions via email, but neither responded.
According to a statement made in the official Lewis County Voters Guide, Kyes has been a Lewis County resident for 30 years and works in real estate. She is running because she loves Chehalis and cares about its future.
“Being a managing real estate broker for Windermere Centralia, I have the specific skills and experience in bringing people of opposing sides together to achieve a mutual resolution for all parties,” Kyes said. “It takes listening, empathy, patience, creativity and perseverance to accomplish this.”
If elected to the Chehalis City Council, she hopes to ensure first responders get support and respect, work to make housing more affordable, support local businesses and attract new ones, increase affordable broadband availability and address the homelessness crisis.
Laufenberg did not submit a statement for the voter’s guide.
Ballots are due by 8 p.m. on Nov. 7. If a voter hasn’t received their ballot, the Lewis County Auditor’s Office recommends visiting votewa.gov and selecting “my ballot,” calling 360-740-1278 or visiting the office at 351 NW North St. in Chehalis. Voters who have submitted their ballots can check their status on the same site.
To find the ballot drop box nearest you and information on candidates and ballot measures, visit https://elections.lewiscountywa.gov.
