MARYSVILLE – For a city council race that pits electricians against one another, you would expect to see sparks fly.
No shocking revelations here though between the two cordial candidates vying for Marysville City Council Position 3.
Lifelong resident and city Park Board member Tom King is looking to unseat incumbent Jeff Seibert, who has been on the council for 16 years.
King said he chose to run because since retiring from the city of Marysville in 2015 where he worked as a traffic signal technician and electrician, he has had time to give back to the community beyond the countless hours of volunteering he is already doing.
“It’s time for a fresh perspective on the City Council, and I feel I’ve got the time, the knowledge and passion about our city,” King said.
Seibert said the city has made great strides in utility, transportation and parks infrastructure, economic development that has stimulated more retail activity and other investments, but the 2008 recession put the brakes on other big ticket projects that he’s eager to see through to the end.
He cited Ebey waterfront development, five-lane design for State Avenue from 100th to 116th, the First Street bypass, and calls for a new public safety building and jail, to name a few.
“These are wonderful projects that we got started, and I would like to see some of them finished,” Seibert said. He said his public service experience and institutional knowledge of city projects and initiatives make him best suited to remain on the council.
During Seibert’s tenure, he has chaired the city Public Works and Finance committees, served on the Public Safety and Economic Development committees, Snohomish County Solid Waste Committee and put in four years as mayor pro tem/council president.
Where most all of Seibert’s work on behalf of Marysville has come through his time as an elected public official, King’s contributions have largely been thanks to heavy community involvement, with some time spent on government committees.
King serves as president of the Kiwanis Club, on the Marysville Parks, Culture and Recreation Board, and is an active food bank and Strawberry Festival volunteer. He is a past member of the county parks board, Marysville school board and library board.
They have differing views on the proposed Regional Fire Authority with ongoing talks between the cities of Arlington and Marysville, and Fire District 12.
King, a former volunteer firefighter, said that barring details that need to be worked out, he favors forming an RFA as a means to consolidate manpower, resources and equipment into a more cost-effective service.
Seibert, who serves on the RFA planning committee, said, “I’m not convinced yet, let’s put it that way.”
He said governance, and in this case equitable representation of the city on an RFA board, is a must-have on his wish list.
“I will not support anything that does not favor Marysville city representation on the board,” Seibert said. “We are providing the biggest assets to the RFA, so our city should have the most say in that.”
King said he wants to see Asbery Field get a major makeover. The high-visibility, low-glamour school district-owned field is home to big community events. New lighting, landscaping, parking and other enhancements could be funded through grants while working with the district.
“I think Asbery Field would just be a jewel for the city for the use it gets and the great location,” King said.
Name: Jeff Seibert
Experience: Serving 16 years on the Marysville City Council has been an honor. Thank you. I ask that the citizens of Marysville will allow me to continue to represent them. I am currently serving on the following committees: Public Works 16 years, 13 as chairman. Finance 14 years, 12 as chairman. Snohomish County Solid Waste 14 years. Public Safety six years. Economic development six years.
On what issues do you differ? My priorities are public safety, transportation improvements and economic development.
Why vote for you? I have a 16-year proven record of serving the citizens of Marysville. I have consistently opposed raising property taxes. I have fully supported the police and fire departments.
Name: Tom King
Experience: Past Marysville School Board member, past Marysville volunteer firefighter, 26-year member of the Marysville Kiwanis Club and current president, Marysville Food Bank volunteer and a volunteer of the month, Strawberry Festival volunteer, Marysville Parks, Culture and Recreation board member. What issues do you differ from your opponent? I would have funded completion of the Ebey Waterfront Park this year and supported a Regional Fire Authority to provide fire and EMS service.
Why vote for me rather than my opponent? I was born and raised here, and my family has lived in Marysville for several years as well and raised three children here and thus I am passionate about my community. I would like to see a partnership between the city and Marysville School District and refurbish Asbury Field into a first-class community activity field. I am proud to be endorsed by the Marysville Firefighters Local and Marysville Police Officers Association.
