The Mirror’s editorial board endorses the following candidates in the 2015 primary election:

Council: Assefa-Dawson and Murrietta

In the race for Federal Way City Council, Position 1, the Mirror endorses incumbent Lydia Assefa-Dawson and Anthony Murrietta.

Assefa-Dawson was appointed to the council 18 months ago to fill a vacant position and though she is still learning the issues, her experience in and passion for human services sets her apart. A native from Ethiopia, Assefa-Dawson came to the United States where she earned her master’s degree, raised three successful sons and currently works for the King County Housing Authority, where she offers financial services for survivors of domestic violence.

Her goal is to show minorities in Federal Way that a college education and successful career are obtainable. Assefa-Dawson builds community through her volunteer positions and her outreach to various human service providers. Her approach to bringing people to the table to hear the many voices of the community is needed in Federal Way. She will bring experience and compassion to the office.

Murrietta’s priorities for Federal Way are to attract living wage jobs, operate a cost-effective city government and to fix traffic — an issue on many of our minds. Currently president of Teamsters Local 763, Murrietta would bring real-world experience and practical common sense to the position. He would also bring creative solutions, including saving the city money by targeting inefficiencies, such as recycling police tires to use for training purposes. His approach to helping create employment for Federal Way’s entire population by creating internships that target various trades is needed in this city, where 75 percent of residents do not have college degrees.

Mark Greene is also passionate about eliminating extravagant spending and he has a basic grasp of several issues facing the city. He would benefit from serving on city boards and as a community volunteer to help him become more seasoned.

Voters will benefit by electing Assefa-Dawson and Murrieta, who are more engaged in all facets of Federal Way.

South King Fire: Fuller, Galland

In the hotly contested race for South King Fire and Rescue’s commissioner Position 2, the Mirror endorses Bill Fuller and Jerry Galland.

Fuller, a political newcomer, worked for Weyerhaueser for 35 years and served as a volunteer firefighter for nine years. A scientist by trade, he would bring a data-driven approach and thoughtful benchmarking system to the board.

Given the investigations and other issues the fire district has recently faced, the board would benefit from a candidate with a fresh perspective who has managed people and possesses conflict resolution skills.

Galland has proven he will stand up for what he believes in and for residents as a long-time outspoken activist for the fire district. Galland promises to improve the fire district’s transparency by making committee meetings and reports accessible to the public. Galland represents the voice of the people and would provide the critical oversight the current board needs.

Roger Flygare is engaged with the Federal Way community and has a vast amount of experience working on issues with the state Legislature.

However, voters will benefit from a commissioner who is not a career politician and who does not have ties to the current board.

Lakehaven: Peterson, Sanchez

Richard Peterson has a solid connection to the community, having lived, worked and paid utilities in Federal Way since the 1980s.

As the director of cemeteries for the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, who manages four major cemeteries in King County, Peterson would bring the managerial and organizational skills the utility district needs to maintain its solid status quo.

With his service and business background, Peterson has a proven track record of being accountable to those he serves.

Peter Sanchez has been employed with the Southwest Suburban Sewer District since 1982 and would bring his vast knowledge of utility issues to the Lakehaven board.

Randy Smith also has a strong connection to Federal Way, having lived in the city since 1966 and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. He has served as a Parks Commission member and has exhibited his passion for the community, however, Smith seems better qualified for a City Council position and would benefit seeking candidacy on the council instead.

The Mirror recommends voting for Peterson and Sanchez for Lakehaven Utility District, Position 3.

Contact the Mirror’s editorial board at editorialboard@federalwaymirror.com