The Federal Way Mirror is hosting candidate forums for contested races in the 2013 primary elections.
Debate will run 6 to 8 p.m. July 31 at Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club, 3583 SW 320th St.
The primary election is Aug. 6. Ballots will be mailed to voters on July 17.
Below are brief profiles of candidates in the primary election. Note: All campaign expenditures and contributions were culled from the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) website July 15.
Federal Way City Council position 2
Kelly Maloney
Education: Gonzaga University, Masters in Communications and Leadership, current enrollee. University of Houston, BA in Communications.
Occupation: Director of Marketing, executive team at Orion Industries.
Public involvement: Appointed to Federal Way City Council in Jan. 2013. Volunteered on the Think Federal Way marketing campaign. Currently seeking an initiative to bring a college to Federal Way.
Municipal League rating: Outstanding
Campaign money: Raised $3,705.17; spent $0. Most donations come from local residents. Notable donors include Doug and Stacy Wood ($500 total); Orion CEO John Theisen ($200); several donations of $100 and $50.
Quote: “I have been volunteering and making real change for Federal Way for a long time as a community member. I’ve always believed anyone interested in making change has to do more than simply serving on boards or commissions, they must get in the trenches and utilize their own skills and abilities in an active way to make the difference that is needed. I’ve done this time after time, and I am willing to continue doing so.”
Key endorsements: Federal Way Police Officers Guild, Federal Way City Councilmembers Susan Honda and Diana Noble-Gulliford, The News Tribune, community leaders Jeff Stock and Mark Clirehugh.
Contact: retainkelly@kellymaloney.com
Website: www.kellymaloney.com
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Mark Koppang
Education: Bachelors in Theology
Occupation: Ampac/National Accounts Manager
Public involvement: Appointed to Federal Way Parks and Recreation Commission (Jan. 2011-present); appointed to Federal Way Civil Service Commission (Jan. 2011-present); appointed to Federal Way Independent Salary Review Commission (Jan. 2011-present); former chair, 30th District Republicans.
Municipal League rating: Good
Campaign money: Raised $6,939.30; spent $2,137.03. Notable donors include Michael Teel, CEO of Raley’s Supermarkets based in West Sacramento, Calif. ($500); Overcomer Covenant Church Pastor Gordon Banks ($500); Intellipass instructor Steve Skipper ($500); City Councilmember Bob Celski ($250); several donations of $100 and $50.
Quote: “I am running because I believe I not only have good ideas regarding what our city could be, but I also have the leadership experience and relational skills necessary to build teams and be a part of making our shared vision a reality.”
Key endorsements: Federal Way City Councilmember Bob Celski, Trisha Bennett (wife of Mayor Skip Priest), Federal Way School Board member Danny Peterson, Lakehaven commissioner Len Englund, and community leader Lori DeVore.
Contact: koppangforcouncil@gmail.com
Website: www.markkoppang.com
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Anthony Murrietta
Education: Cerritos and San Mateo Community College
Occupation: President of Teamsters Local 763
Campaign money: Raised $3,750; spent $0. Nearly all donations come from Teamsters Union chapters.
Municipal League rating: Did not participate
Statement in voters pamphlet: “Federal Way needs new leadership. In these difficult economic times, a responsible vision for our city is necessary. I’m a lifelong worker’s advocate, with 26 years in leadership roles as a union organizer, shop steward and business agent representing workers in the private and public sectors. As your Councilman, I will use my experience to improve city services and quality of life in the areas of public safety, fire protection, public works and more. Federal Way needs a balanced budget that maintains essential services, encourages education, and protects those most in need. As a worker’s advocate, I support a strong positive business environment. As your Councilman, I will work to ensure the improvement and expansion of our local economy to benefit all of our citizens. As a father of four I believe in our city and what we can accomplish when working together. I respectfully ask for your vote.”
Contact: AJforFederalWay@gmail.com
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MORE INSIGHT: Read political columnist Bob Roegner’s analysis of the race for city council position 2.
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Federal Way City Council position 6
Diana Noble-Gulliford
Education: Business, Banking, Real Estate
Occupation: Owner Small Business
Public involvement: Appointed to Federal Way City Council in Jan. 2013; Planning Commission of Federal Way (1991-1997); King County Boundary Review Board (1981-1986); president, Historical Society of Federal Way; licensed real estate agent; participated in the city’s incorporation efforts.
Municipal League rating: Very Good
Campaign money: Raised $4,410; spent $179.11. Notable donors include Washington Association of Realtors Political Action Committee ($900); Federal Way School Board President Tony Moore ($250); several donations of $100 and $50.
Top priorities: Public safety, economic development, job creation. She supports reducing the zoning restrictions to attract companies and more opportunities for affordable housing in Federal Way,that can provide jobs in Federal Way, according to her Municipal League questionnaire.
Quote: “I take my vote and position seriously for the financial future of our city. I want to see Federal Way move forward economically and culturally and become the city that all of us visualize. I welcome your comments and vision of what you would like for our city.”
Key endorsements: 30th District Republicans, State Rep. Linda Kochmar (R), School Board President Tony Moore, and Federal Way City Councilmembers Susan Honda and Kelly Maloney.
Contact: diana@gulliford.com
Website: www.diananoblegulliford.com
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Martin Moore
Education: Graduated from Decatur High School; B.A. from Saint Martin’s University
Occupation: Commissioner, Federal Way Parks and Recreation; Legislative Aide, State Rep. Roger Freeman
Public involvement: Federal Way Parks Commissioner (Aug. 2007-present); Federal Way Public Schools AmeriCorps team member. Moore has also worked on multiple local election campaigns. Lobbied to cap campaign contributions for local candidates and lobbied for parks to be more suitable for the disabled.
Municipal League rating: Good
Campaign money: Raised $5,280; spent $830.42. Notable donors include United Association of the Plumbers and Pipefitters ($700); Meschell Miloscia ($400); Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters ($300); City Councilmember Bob Celski ($250); several donations of $100 and $50.
Quote: “The traits I bring to office are authenticity, empathy, solid ethics and active listening. As an elected councilmember making policies which have a direct impact on how we live, work and play, it is important to manage both a strong conviction in one’s character and the ability to listen to others and remain flexible and open-minded.”
Key endorsements: State Rep. Roger Freeman, South King County Professional Firefighters, The News Tribune, 30th District Democrats, former State Rep. Mark Miloscia (D), Congressman Adam Smith, and King County Councilmember Julia Patterson.
Contact: electmartinmoore@gmail.com
Website: www.electmartinmoore.com
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Ryan Miller
Occupation: General Manager of the Hampton Inn and Suites
Public service: Lodging Tax Advisory Committee; advocated for HB 1253 to help preserve hotel-motel tax revenues.
Municipal League rating: Adequate
Campaign money: Raised $1,012; spent $188.49. According to the PDC website, no contributors have been listed.
Quote: According to a news release, Miller’s top priorities in seeking his first elected office are strengthening the city’s economy by attracting businesses and tourism; working with schools; and public safety.
Contact: ryanmillerforcitycouncil@comcast.net
Website: www.electryanmiller.com
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MORE INSIGHT: Read political columnist Bob Roegner’s analysis on the race for city council position 6.
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Federal Way School Board position 4
(Note: The Mirror sent questions to school board candidates and will publish their responses this month)
Carol Gregory
Education: Bachelor of Education, University of Washington, post graduate work at several universities
Occupation: Director, Burst for Prosperity, an initiative of Children’s Home Society
Campaign money: Raised $2,782.78; spent $112
Statement in voters pamphlet: I am running for Federal Way School Board because I am passionate about sharing my extensive educational background and experience to ensure that all children get the education necessary to contribute to a global society. The next few years will require very important decisions to be made by the Federal Way School Board. As our economy diversifies we must take crucial steps to prepare children for jobs of the future. I have the knowledge and resolve to help make significant decisions that lead to positive educational results for children and our economy. I have a unique wealth of experience; as a teacher and administrator in the Northshore and Highline School Districts, a policymaker at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and proud grandparent of a recent graduate from Federal Way High School, attending the University of Washington, and two other children who are currently enrolled in Federal Way schools. I will work diligently to connect the resources in the community to the schools, and to build bridges between schools, families, community, civic and employer partners, underscoring the power of working together to support tomorrow’s leaders.
Contact: gilgregory@comcast.net
Website: www.facebook.com/CarolGregoryForFederalWaySchoolBoardPosition4
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Medgar Wells
Education: B.S. (Alcorn State University); M.Ed. (City University); Doctoral student in Educational Leadership (Seattle University)
Occupation: Principal of Overcomer Academy; Career Direct Consultant.
According to the PDC website, no expenditure or contribution information has been filed.
Statement in voters pamphlet: It is my belief that the primary goal of education is to ensure all children are given equal opportunities to maximize their unique gifts and talents. Over the years I have learned this goal requires hard work, accountability, dedication and a strong belief that every child is capable of achieving success. I have served in public schools as an elementary teacher, high school assistant principal, elementary and middle school principal, and assistant superintendent. In 2004 I was recognized by OSPI for my leadership in closing the achievement gap while a principal in Seattle. I am a tireless advocate for education, which is why I make time to volunteer at King County correctional facilities teaching employability skills to young offenders. I also teach employment classes at my church. I am seeking election to The Federal Way School Board because I understand that our children are the most valuable asset our community has. My focus will be on safety, academic excellence, parental engagement, increased graduation rates and the global education needed in today’s society. When making decisions as a board director, I will always ask the question: “What would I want for my own two children?”
Contact: medgarwells@live.com
Website: www.wellsforschoolboard.com
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Kenneth Lance Barton
Education: BS, Management Information Systems; MBA, University of New Haven; Master’s Certificate — Advanced Project Management
Occupation: Project Manager, The Boeing Company, Commercial Airplane Services
According to the PDC website, no expenditure or contribution information has been filed. Barton is not listed among candidates.
Statement in voters pamphlet: I am a husband, father, and grandfather; a former Marine, disabled veteran, and cancer survivor; a once-ASE-certified Automotive Technician, a currently-PMI-certified Project Management Professional, and a life-long learner who is presently earning a Ph.D in Information Assurance and Security. I volunteer with the Washington Department of Wildlife, the Boeing Employees Veterans Association, and I serve on the Board of Directors of a 501c(4). In my first job I was a cowboy in eastern Washington, and I once was in charge of the Weapons Control Systems for the F117 stealth fighter, but my favorite job ever is raising my 12-year-old eighth-grader to be a mighty man of God. I have worked half-way around the world and back, and it is good to be home. My family and I attend Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Des Moines. I submit to you a leader who knows the true meaning of grace, and I would be honored to have your vote.
Contact: k.lance.barton@gmail.com
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MORE INSIGHT: Read political columnist Bob Roegner’s analysis of the candidates for school board position 4.
