Rick Steves Endorses Dave Earling for Mayor

Edmonds mayoral candidate Dave Earling has racked up a number of endorsements in the past few weeks, including local travel celebrity Rick Steves.

"Given Dave’s experience in government, his business background, and his long-term passion for this place we call home, I believe Dave can provide the steady leadership we need at this time,” Steves said.

Other local players to throw their support behind Earling include two former Edmonds mayors (Gary Haakenson and Bob Drewel), Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson, Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine, Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring, and Mountlake Terrace Mayor Jerry Smith, Bothell Mayor Mark Lamb, and Woodway Mayor Carla Nichols. Former Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel is also supporting Earling.

Earling is running against current Edmonds Mayor Mike Cooper, who replaced Gary Haakenson as mayor last summer after Haakenson resigned to become Deputy Snohomish County Executive.

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.