Ward 2 Resident Announces Challenge to City Council Incumbent

Ward 2 resident Jarrett Stoltzfus announced his candidacy today for the seat currently held by City Councilwoman Ivy Thompson. Thompson has not officially announced her intentions for the upcoming election. Stoltzfus's announcement and biographical information were published on a website created especially for his campaign.

City Councilman Brent Bolin holds the other seat in Ward 2, and he is not up for reelection this year. In Ward 1, City Councilman Bill Updike has declined to defend his seat, but so far no one has publicized any intention to run.

Ward 1 City Councilman Jimmy Tarlau's seat is not on the ballot this year. However, at the City Council's special budget meeting on Tuesday, February 12, Mayor Malinda Miles said publicly that she might not run for a third term. If she declines to run the smart money says Tarlau will, potentially creating a second vacancy in Ward 1.

Candidates for mayor or city council must submit petitions with at least 20 valid resident signatures on April 1 in order to appear on the ballot. The citywide election will be held May 6. For more information, see Mount Rainier's official website.