Dave Earling is the first candidate to announce he'll be running against incumbent Mayor Mike Cooper in this November's election.
Earling said he believes he can help steer the city's budget planning in a better direction.
“I’ve decided to run for Mayor because of the outpouring of support and encouragement I’ve received in the last several weeks as I’ve heard from concerned citizens about problems in city government," Earling said. "They’re upset and clearly looking for more leadership. They want to see the City make better choices about spending and put the budget back on a sustainable path."
Earling previously spent 12 years on the Edmonds City Council and just finished a five-year stint on the Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board. He is currently president of Senior Services of Snohomish County.
Earling used to run a residential real estate business in Edmonds. He currently lives near Perrinville with his wife, and the two have three children and two grandchildren.
“This community means a lot to me," Earling said. "I raised my family here and have been proud to call it home for over thirty years."
Current Mayor Mike Cooper replaced Gary Haakenson as mayor last summer after Haakenson resigned to become Deputy Snohomish County Executive. Cooper has previously said he plans to run for re-election this November.
