In Their Own Words: Meet City Council Candidate Lora Petso

What is your full, legal name?

Lora Petso

Where do you work and what is your job title?

My husband and I run a small pension consulting business from our home in South Edmonds. I am also a Councilmember for the City of Edmonds, and a Commissioner for Olympic View Water District.

When and where were you born?

7/7/62, Morgantown, W. Va.

Where do you live now and how long have you lived there?

South Edmonds, 23 years

Spouse or domestic partner, if any:

Colin Southcote-Want

Children:

Nick Southcote-Want

Kate Southcote-Want

Ian Southcote-Want

Education (include graduation date(s), if any):

B.A. Economics, Whitman College, 1983

Law Degree, University of Washington School of Law, 1987

Military Service (include year(s) of discharge, if any):

n/a

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations:

Alliance of Citizens for Edmonds, Toastmasters, Holy Rosary Bridge

Have you or a business you owned (or had principal interest in) ever filed bankruptcy?

No

As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?

No

CAMPAIGN INFORMATION:

Web site: VotePetso.com
Email address: VotePetso@aol.com
Phone number: 206-542-7464
Campaign manager: Self
Campaign manager contact information: See above

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):

Elected (includes years of service): Edmonds City Council, 1/2000-12/2003, 7/2010-present; Olympic View Water District, 5/1995-present

Other campaigns for public office:

No other offices sought.

THIS CAMPAIGN:

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I have a passion for public service and for our community.

What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why?

1. Funding City services, including both expenditure reductions and revenue growth.

2. Maintaining our building height limits and quality of life.

3. Open government and improved financial reporting to the citizens.

What sets you apart from the other candidates and/or previous office holders?

I support our building height limits, and I believe the City should focus on economic development that also improves our quality of life.

I can use my five years of council experience to help our relatively inexperienced council conduct business in a legal and professional manner.

I am an independent voice for the citizens on our council.

How much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?

$3,000-$5,000

Official endorsements:

My endorsements include current and former elected officials, the National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington, and, most importantly, Edmonds residents.