Those of us living on the outskirts of Federal Way in what is called unincorporated King County should have an interest in the Federal Way mayor race. For political junkies like me, it’s popcorn time when I see four people jockeying for the vote: Council Members Jim Ferrell and Mike Park; Mayor Linda Kochmar; and State Representative Skip Priest. We must realize that this is serious stuff. How Federal Way is governed will affect us in the outskirts if we somehow are annexed.

What steps Federal Way takes in the future will depend on the executive skills of its first elected mayor. The first steps will include the selection of the executive assistant, the government affairs director, the economic development director, and the chief financial officer. Before their jobs start, the mayor will need to have the people in these positions ratified by the City Council. I would be concerned. That process with the wrong mayor could be the first bad step for Federal Way: Potential back room deals and Chicago style politics.

Will the mayor select people who will work well together and with others outside their department? Will there be that alertness to character faults that could disrupt the cohesion of the city team? Or will Federal Way’s operation be the result of political gamesmanship and who can buy political favors? At a time when the city budget is at the breaking point for belt tightening, Federal Way voters cannot make a mistake.

My concern has led me to believe that Linda Kochmar will have the highest respect for the people’s seat in Federal Way. Those who know her do not mistake her high sense of ethics and a unique ability to get people on task and working together. She will tell you that the city is not for sale. The mayor’s office will be the most open and operate with the highest of integrity. She will be the face of the city and she has already proven her skills regionally. Under her leadership, Federal Way will take a good step forward to be the best city it can possibly be.

Jon R. McIntyre, Auburn