This editorial will appear in Wednesday’s print edition.

The last time Skip Priest held the office of mayor of Federal Way, in the mid-1990s, it was a ceremonial post and he was elected by fellow City Council members. But he’s equally deserving of having that honor bestowed by Federal Way voters when they elect their first full-time “strong mayor” on Nov. 2.

Priest has a serious challenger in current City Council member Jim Ferrell, who led the successful elected-mayor campaign. A senior King County prosecuting attorney, Ferrell manages the domestic violence court. He likely would do a good job as Federal Way’s first executive, but we think Priest would do better. Read more »

This editorial will appear in tomorrow’s print edition.

History is being made in Federal Way this year as the city shifts from the council-manager to the mayor-council form of government.

Our initial concerns about politics-driven management under an elected executive have been eased by the sheer quality of the candidates running for the new “strong mayor” position: Mike Park, Skip Priest, Linda Kochmar and Jim Ferrell.

The city would fare well with any of these four, which has made this endorsement decision unusually difficult. We’ve settled on Priest and Kochmar, but Park and Ferrell have different and impressive qualifications that may carry more weight with some voters.

Like the other three, Park has an extensive record of public service. He was appointed to the Federal Way City Council in 1995 and has won election four times since. He has twice served as council-appointed mayor.

A small business owner, he chairs the city’s finance committee and has brought strong fiscal expertise to city government. His civic leadership includes service on Highline Community College Foundation’s Board of directors.

Ferrell is a dynamo who also serves on the City Council; he’s been a driving force behind several city crusades, including the campaign to create the very office he’s now running for. His civic service includes leadership in the South King County Multi-Service Center and YMCA.
Read more »