Former Edmonds Mayor Endorses Earling

Former Edmonds Mayor Gary Haakenson has endorsed Dave Earling for mayor. Earling was the first candidate to announce he'll be running against incumbent Mayor Mike Cooper in this November's election.

Haakenson served as Edmonds Mayor until last summer, when he left the post to become Deputy Snohomish County Executive. Cooper was appointed to fill the rest of Haakenson's term.

 In the letter below, Haakenson explains why he is endorsing Earling:

I was pleased to see Dave Earling announce that he is campaigning for mayor of Edmonds. Having worked with Dave on the City Council and as mayor, I know he brings consensus building and leadership to the position, two traits sadly missing in today's Edmonds city government.

Dave has operated a business of his own for many years and has the skills to manage a city budget as well as the people skills required to handle city employees in a fair and equitable manner. The hard working and well trained city employees of Edmonds deserve better than they have today when it comes to a voice of representation.

It's time to stop the bickering and self-serving attitude exhibited by some current Edmonds elected/appointed officials. It's time to bring professionalism and common sense back to our city. That's why I enthusiastically support Dave's candidacy for mayor.

Gary Haakenson

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 lives near Perrinville with his wife, and the two have three children and two grandchildren.