It’s the election season here in Issaquah and Sammamish, but you’ll be forgiven if you haven’t noticed it in Issaquah. Only one seat on the City Council will be contested this fall.

There’s more activity in Sammamish with three council seats contested.

Still, it’s not the number of contests that’s important; in a democracy every race counts and is worthy of the public’s attention.

As noted by Reporter staff writer Celeste Gracey last week, the lack of candidate activity in Issaquah is surprising given that there were nine applicants for appointment to an open seat on the City Council in February.

This time, incumbent Joshua Schaer will be challenged by EJ Filley. Watch for the issue of transportation to come up during the campaign as Filley specifically targeted Schaer because of the latter’s position as chair of the council’s transportation committee.

Schaer, who is finishing his first term on the council, counters that the city has completed a number of good projects, including the undercrossing by the post office.

The three candidates guaranteed a victory are Stacy Goodman, new to the council this spring; Fred Butler, a senior council member; and Paul Winterstein.

In other Issaquah races, two positions on the Issaquah School District will be contested with Patrick Sansing challenging incumbent Brian Deagle and Brian Neville challenging incumbent Suzanne Weaver. A third candidate, Joseph Arnaud, withdrew from the race.

Ann Moore is running unopposed for the seat held by Jan Colbrese, who decided not to run after 12 years on the board.

Things are a bit more exciting in Sammamish with three contested races.

Kathy Richardson, a member of the planning commission and a Lake Sammamish shoreline homeowner, will face off against incumbent Nancy Whitten; John Galvin, Jim Wasnick and Ramiro Valderrama have all declared their candidacy for seat 4; and Tom Vance and Jesse Bornfreund are seeking the seat being vacated by Mark Cross.

The Reporter will provide updates and coverage throughout the election season.

– Craig Groshart/Issaquah and Sammamish Reporter