MONROE — In a race to choose the city’s next mayor, where the two candidates discussed issues such as traffic, growth and public safety, Geoffrey Thomas, a senior legislative analyst for the Snohomish County Council, had a nearly 9 percentage point lead Tuesday night over Ed Davis, who has served on the city council for two years.
Davis, 58, said he was still hopeful. “We’ll wait and see what happens in the next couple of days,” he said. “I’ve been in a close race before. It’s worth watching and seeing.”
Thomas, 43, previously served for six years on the Monroe city council ending in 2009.
The current mayor, Robert Zimmerman, decided against seeking re-election.
Thomas said he visited more than 2,000 homes during his campaign, an example, of how he would take on the duties of being the city’s mayor.
“I would try to find common ground across all seven council members, not just four to try to push an agenda,” he said.
Thomas said he would like to find ways to improve the city’s historic downtown area.
One option would be redirecting a portion of the state’s business and occupation tax to invest in the area through a program called the Main Street Tax Credit, he said.
Thomas said development in the city should be compatible with the community’s vision, providing an opportunity to reinvest in the city’s roads, parks and schools.
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.
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