Q: What’s up with all of these editorial board articles I’ve been reading about?

A: Mr. Federal Way has wondered the same thing. Apparently, the publisher, editor and five community members get together and discuss events of importance in Federal Way. Mr. Federal Way thinks it’s just a reason to have a beer and has wondered why the invitation has not been forthcoming.

So, because Mr. Federal Way is a warrior and warriors take one for the team, Mr. Federal Way marched right in and asked the publisher himself what is up with this. After he looked up and scowled at me, laced with a few unrecognizable words and followed with “none of your business,” which is actually Mr. Federal Way’s line, he did mention that the editorial board has started to give community members a say in the editorial direction of this esteemed newspaper. Now, this is not a direction to take lightly.

In the newspaper world, the editorial pages are the primo real estate. For the publisher to give community members a say in this is a bold direction and a dangerous one as he also stated that the direction of this board is a majority rule and that the publisher does not have override authority on what the board decides. To do so would undermine the integrity of this board. Every once in a while, certain community members have pasted the publisher for decisions he has made. Some have even stated that he is a few turns short of being a card-carrying member of Howard Stern’s “Wack Pack.”

To be honest, Mr. Federal Way has thought this a time or two also, but given this new information, Mr. Federal Way is going to cut him some slack. Lastly, this is a board that changes all of the time. The publisher stated he wanted all community members to have the ability to sit on this board and therefore instituted term limits. Every year, two or three members turn over. If you want to sit on this board, watch for the openings later this year. Mr. Federal Way plans on applying, especially if there is beer involved and definitely if the publisher is buying. This in itself is a minor miracle.

Q: Mr. Federal Way, what’s this political season going to be like?

A: Talk about “Wack Packs.” Generally, these questions are geared toward the political guru, Bob Roegner. If the publisher is a card-carrying member then this guy is certifiable. Anyhow, you asked, and Mr. Federal Way never backs down from a challenge.

This year is going to be fun. Well, fun like sticking hot needles under your fingernails type fun, but that’s Mr. Federal Way’s opinion. In a nutshell, there will be plenty to do.

In the 30th District, Carol Gregory was appointed by the governor after the King and Pierce County Councils had a good ole fashioned stare down and in true political fashion could not make a decision. Gee, that’s something new isn’t it? She will seek election against Martin Moore and Mark Greene and likely others before this is all said and done.

On the city council, Bob Celski is out and won’t rerun, Dini Duclos will seek re-election, which is exactly the opposite of the way it was two months ago. Politics as usual. The military has terms for this. Terms that can’t be said in a family newspaper. So, Mark Koppang jumped in to run in Celski’s old spot. This will likely attract a number of other competitors before it is all over. Susan Honda also announced she will seek re-election.

This leaves Lydia Assefa-Dawson as the only current city council member that has not announced her re-election. Mr. Federal Way says count on it.

The school board has even bigger issues as Gregory’s position will need to be filled and Hiroshi Eto, Danny Peterson and Claire Wilson will all seek re-election. If you ever wanted on that cream puff assignment, this is your time as the opportunities are endless.

South King Fire and Rescue also has two positions up this year in Mark Freitas and John Rickert. If Freitas reruns, watch for fireworks. To say the management at the fire department doesn’t like Frietas is an understatement. You would have a better shot getting the Hatfields and McCoys together for Thanksgiving dinner.

Even Lakehaven (yawn) is getting into the act with two positions up for re-election. Chuck Gibson and Ron Nowicki are expected to rerun and have light competition.

Q: Mr. Federal Way, I hear there are some changes coming to the Mirror. What’s going on?

A: None of your business.

Got a question for Mr. Federal Way? Email mrfederalway@federalwaymirror.com.