In the other “Washington,” on the opposite side of the country, Congress is too gridlocked by disagreements to perform its basic functions.
Perhaps the House could learn from the candidates running for Centralia City Council, the Centralia School Board and the Port of Centralia. In a forum at Centralia College hosted by the Centralia Downtown Association on Monday night, just one “rebuttal” card was used.
Washington’s odd-year elections are always nonpartisan, in accordance with state law. The voting period ends on Nov. 7. To find ballot dropbox locations, candidate-submitted information in the voters’ pamphlet, a list of elections and more information on the upcoming election, visit https://elections.lewiscountywa.gov. Ballots were mailed to voters on Oct. 18.
Those whose ballots are lost or missing should contact the Lewis County Auditor’s Office election office at 360-740-1278. Voters can also check the status of their returned ballots at vote.wa.gov.
Head to chronline.com or check out upcoming editions of The Chronicle for more coverage on local races, including the Centralia races showcased by the Centralia Downtown Association.
Following are brief summaries of the candidates’ opening statements, which were prepared ahead of time. Candidates present also had one surprise question each. The forum can be viewed in full above.
Centralia City Council position 1, at-large
Chris Brewer is an eight-year Centralia resident with a desire to help the community and hear its ideas. A “vibrant and livable community,” he said, enhances people’s quality of life. The downtown association and Centralia College are two examples of the “very best” organizations in Centralia, he said.
Russell Barr moved to Centralia in the 1990s and has watched the community develop as new businesses move into previously vacant downtown shops, he said. He raised four children in Centralia and has appreciated the city council’s work during a period of “tremendous growth,” he said.
Centralia City Council position 2, at-large
Kelly Smith Johnston currently serves on the council and believes local government is critically important and impactful, she said. Smith Johnston lived “all over” as a military brat growing up, and has been in Centralia for 20 years, where she has raised two daughters. Her younger daughter just graduated from Centralia High School in June.
Joyce Barnes has served a total of nine years on the Centralia City Council.
Two other people she hoped would run for the position decided not to, she said, so Barnes decided to make another run for the council at the very end of filing week in May. Still, she is “delighted” to have another opportunity for community service, Barnes said.
Centralia City Council position 3, at-large
Adrianna Garibay has lived in Centralia for more than 25 years after growing up in Michoacán, Mexico. She has three children, including a son who is a ballet dancer for the Cincinnati Ballet and a daughter who just finished her education at a university. Garibay is very happy to call Centralia “home,” she said, and sees a position on the city council as an opportunity to serve the community.
Kylie Sexsmith, the other candidate in this race, was not present Monday. According to the downtown association, Sexsmith declined offers to participate in person or by submitting written answers. Learn more about her and other candidates in the online voters’ guide at https://elections.lewiscountywa.gov.
Centralia School Board director position 4
Mandi McDougall is a born-and-raised Centralian, who graduated from Centralia High School. She and her husband, Chris, have two children at Centralia Middle School, who are 13 and 9 years old. McDougall has served on the school board for the last four years and considers the position a “privilege,” she said.
Sarah Holmes, the other candidate in this race, was not present Monday. According to the downtown association, Holmes declined offers to participate in person or by submitting written answers. Learn more about her and other candidates in the online voters’ guide at https://elections.lewiscountywa.gov.
Port of Centralia Commissioner, District 3
Peter Lahmann is a lifelong Centralia resident and Centralia High School graduate.
He has career experience in construction and highway road building, and in teaching the same topics, Lahmann said. Growing up, while seeking “pride” and good career opportunities, he had to leave Centralia, Lahmann said. Thus, he’s passionate about the Port’s opportunity to make more living wage jobs so “youngsters can stay in town.”
Dianne Dorey was absent Monday, but submitted answers that were read by a representative from the downtown association. In her opening statement, Dorey wrote: “I'm excited to run for the position of Port of Centralia Commissioner District 3. Thank you to the (Centralia Downtown Association) for hosting this event and to all of you that are in attendance, my apologies for not being able to be in person as I am helping my 6-year-old grandson celebrate his birthday in Arizona.”
