The candidates running for Federal Way City Council should be commended for making a real effort to engage and improve the community. Federal Way can take comfort knowing that each candidate has the city’s best interest in mind.

City council, position 3

For Federal Way City Council position 3, The Mirror endorses Roger Flygare.

Susan Honda, his opponent, has earned her stripes in community service. As a council member, Honda would be engaged and present in community life. However, today’s economic climate calls for experience in the real business world. As a small business owner, this experience gives Flygare an edge. Economic development and job creation are the city’s top priorities. The public and council will benefit from Flygare’s straight-forward communication when it’s time to take a stance or pitch an idea. Honda’s timid approach to a minor issue like term limits, for example, raises a red flag as to how decisive she will be whenever more pressing issues are on the line. Had this been otherwise, she might have earned The Mirror’s endorsement.

Flygare has also honed an understanding of the government process, especially at the state level, during his career in the court reporting business. This experience will serve the city well. For city council position 3, The Mirror recommends voting for Roger Flygare.

City council, position 5

For Federal Way City Council position 5, The Mirror endorses Jack Dovey.

It must be noted that his opponent, Bob Celski, should have run for position 3. He would have won it hands down. Celski brings notable business and management experience to the table. He is an intelligent individual who deserves a spot on the council.

The Mirror recommends Dovey because of his demonstrated ability to turn ideas into reality in Federal Way. He is credited with co-launching the Cascadia MedTech business incubator, which will help generate jobs. Dovey’s open-mindedness is also an asset. For example, Dovey initially opposed the future performing arts and civic center. However, once it passed, Dovey got on board and is willing to make the project the best it can be. That sort of political humbleness is a good character trait for a local elected official.

With economic development and job creation being the city’s top priorities, Dovey’s entrepreneurial spirit benefits Federal Way. Voters would be wise to grant him another term.

City council, position 7

For Federal Way City Council position 7, The Mirror endorses Dini Duclos.

Duclos’ business acumen and no-nonsense work ethic are assets. She is also a key player in Federal Way’s quality of life as CEO of the Multi-Service Center, one of the area’s top charities.

Her opponent, Keith Tyler, has a lot of good ideas but hasn’t really put up a fight in this race. Duclos is engaged at multiple levels of city life, from human services to zoning and planning. With the performing arts and civic center apparently coming to fruition, her leadership will be a welcome ingredient in the project. When it comes to matters of economic development and job creation, Duclos needs to be in the conversation. Duclos brings an analytical voice that enriches the city leadership pool. She has earned another term on the council.

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Contact The Mirror’s editorial board: editorialboard@fedwaymirror.com