Incumbents often have smooth sailing to re-election.

Marysville City Councilwoman Donna Wright, for instance, said she has not been challenged for eight years.

That will change this year as Mark James has thrown his hat into the ring.

Tom King has done the same. He also plans to run for City Council – against Jeff Siebert.

“It’s terrible when people run unopposed,” King said.

The council’s not the only governmental body that will face a challenge.

For Snohomish County Council, newly appointed member Nate Nehring will face longtime Democratic party member Ray Miller.

Others probably are planning to run, too, as filing takes place next week.

If more than two candidates file for office, they will be part of the primary election Aug. 1. The top two advance to the general election Nov. 7.

King, 64, was born and raised in Marysville. Now retired after working in the city’s public works department, King said he has the time to devote to the council. He has attended meetings off and on for years, and recently has gone every week, so he has a good working knowledge of what goes on, he said. He also is a very active volunteer in the community, with the Marysville Community Food Bank, Marysville Strawberry Festival and as president of the Marysville Kiwanis Club and various other boards.

“I’m passionate about the city,” he said.

James said he is running give back to the community since it has been so good to his business, Hometown Value. Because it has done well, he said he has the time to devote to the office, if elected.

He said he has no burning issues with the city government, saying it is run well, and he wants to be part of that team.

Miller pointed out that he has much more experience than Nehring, a teacher who was recently appointed to the position by the county’s Republican Party.

Miller, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, was elected by county District 1 in 2015 to the Snohomish County Charter Review Commission. He serves on the county Human Rights Commission and the Washington State Salaries Commission. He previously served on the Marysville Diversity Committee.

“We must plan for a future that includes housing and economic development in north and east Snohomish County, at the same time as we protect the rich environmental and agricultural resources that are a critical part of the character of Snohomish County,” Miller said. “And I have experience that will enable me to represent District One as we deal with pressures of lack of jobs, the heroin epidemic and the increased homelessness that are increasingly affecting our district.”

Here is a list of the major local government positions up for election, along with the filing fee, if any, and the incumbent. Terms are for four years:

Snohomish County Council

($1,175.34)

District 1: Nate Nehring

Marysville City Council

($144)

1. Jeff Vaughan

2. Donna Wright

3. Jeff Siebert

4. Michael Stevens

Arlington City Council

($72)

1. Jesica Stickles

2. Chris Raezer

3. Debora Nelson

7. Jan Schuette

Marysville Municipal Court Judge

($1,579.32)

1. Fred Gillings

2. Lorrie Towers

Marysville School District

1. Chris Nation

4. Bruce Larson

Arlington Public Schools

3. Ursula Ghirardo

5. Robert McClure

Lakewood School District

1. Oscar Escalante

2. Catherine “Sandy” Gotts

3. Jahna Smith

There are also openings for fire, hospital, parks and water commissioners. Anyone interested in any of the openings can file online or in person at the county courthouse in Everett May 15-19. People can file by mail now through the 19th.