In Their Own Words: Meet Edmonds Mayoral Candidate Dave Earling

What is your full, legal name?

David Orrin Earling

Where do you work and what is your job title?

I resigned a full-time position as commissioner on the Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board in order to run for mayor.

When and Where Were You Born?

Lewiston, Idaho, April 23, 1943

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

Near Perrinville. My family has lived in Edmonds for over 30 years.

Spouse or domestic partner if any:

Wife, Susan.

Children:

Three adult children and two grandchildren.

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

B.A., Washington State University, studied masters level music performance at Eastern Washington University

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

None

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations:

Currently president of the Board of Senior Services of Snohomish County.

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: daveearling.com
Email address: dave@daveearling.com
Phone number: 206-920-5593
Campaign manager: No paid campaign manager
Campaign manager contact information: n/a

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):

Elected:

Edmonds City Council, 1992-2003

Other campaigns for public office:

Ran for Snohomish County Executive, 2003.

THIS CAMPAIGN:

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

I’m running for mayor because of the overwhelming call I’ve heard from people across Edmonds for more leadership in City government. I love our community and the special way of life we have in Edmonds. Our current leaders aren’t measuring up, let alone dealing effectively with the challenges we face. I’m committed to fixing that as mayor.

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

1)  Bringing leadership back to city government. I hear every day on the campaign trail that the city needs more leadership.

2)  Fixing the city budget. Proposing levies to pay for basic operating expenses at the same time the mayor has signed contracts guaranteeing city employees pay raises and expanded benefits isn’t realistic. It’s time for a new approach that is transparent, prioritizes essential services and doesn’t rely on taxpayers to make tough decisions that city officials are elected to do.

3) Creating jobs through economic development, while maintaining current laws on building heights. This is essential to protect our quality of life in Edmonds. We need to create a sustainable tax base that brings in more revenue and stop the current situation of pitting essential services against overburdened taxpayers. 

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

The key difference is experience in leadership positions, bringing people together to solve problems.

In addition to my time on the City Council, including five years as president, I’ve spent the better part of the last 20 years in positions of leadership in the nonprofit sector, including the Edmonds Public Schools Foundation, Sound Transit, the Washington Conservation Voters and Senior Services of Snohomish County. I’ve also had the experience of running a small business, finding a way to balance the books in good times and in bad. 

I know how to work with people and manage through difficult issues to find solutions.

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

Approximately $50,000-60,000, given the cost of competing in both the primary and the general election.

Official endorsements: 

The Edmonds Police Officers Association as well as the long list of individuals at daveearling.com/endorsements, including three former Edmonds Mayors, former County Executive Bob Drewel, over a dozen current and former mayors in Snohomish County and a broad cross-section of leading citizens from across Edmonds.