With only one council race on the ballot, the August primary will not be the main electoral event in SeaTac this year.

That comes in November when residents vote on an elected mayor proposition that would change SeaTac's form of government. Currently, the seven elected council members select one of their colleagues to serve as mayor. The mayor presides over the council meetings and represents the city at ceremonial functions. A city manager supervises the staff and runs the daily operations of the city government.

Under the proposed change, a mayor would be selected by voters and serve as the chief executive of the city. The mayor could hire a city administrator to work with city staff.

Besides Position #3, three other council seats are up for grabs in the November election. Combined with the elected mayor vote, the outcome of the council elections could signal a big shift in the direction of SeaTac's government. Many of the council's most important decisions are now decided on a 4-3 vote.

The top two vote getters in the primary race will face each other in November's general election. Ballots must be mailed by Aug. 16. Terry Anderson is the incumbent in the race.

The three candidates responded to the following two questions:

1. What are your qualifications for the office you are seeking and why should voters select you over your opponents?
2. Do you support the Elected Mayor proposition and why or why not?
SeaTac Council Position #3

Terry Anderson
1. Qualifications. Born and raised right here, living and working in this area her whole life, Terry embraces a perspective on our community that her opponents do not have. Terry's extensive community service and experience is matched by her knowledge of issues surrounding the City of SeaTac from land use and zoning to transportation; all aspects of Police and Fire services; and from children, senior citizen and veterans issues to the broader human services needs in the whole city.
Terry believes that, "Children and families are our future so I will always try to be there for every person I can help."
During Terry's tenure on the city council a new community center has been built, police presence has been increased, great parks and recreation programs for all have been created as well as the creation of world-class programs for our senior citizens.

2. Elected Mayor. The issue of Strong Mayor versus Council Manager form of government is some thing each and every voter must decide for themselves. I personally believe either will have the best interests of the people they serve at heart. However, I freely admit I will push for Council Manager because we are more attuned to what is needed by shear numbers and 7 opinions can bring differing views to any subject.
The City of SeaTac is small in numbers but huge in responsibilities. We have an international airport, light rail, bordered by a very busy interstate highway and an international population.

Sandra Cook-Bensley
1. Qualifications. My major campaign issues are (1) transparent, responsive, accountable city government, (2) promotion of small business, economic growth, job creation, and an improved business climate, and (3) fiscal responsibility, reduced cost of government, lower taxes, and common sense policies to reduce burdensome regulations.
SeaTac has been hit very hard by the economic downturn and high unemployment -- we need to support and promote small businesses, who are our city's job creators. The City Council should be appreciative of the importance of business owners to the vitality of our community. Business owners pay a huge portion of the taxes to keep our city running.
I will bring a unique combination of business acumen and common sense to all City Council issues. I will be an independent voice, not a "rubber stamp." I will represent all the citizens of SeaTac, not the special interests. I will bring fresh perspective to the Council on issues such as property rights and improving our business climate.

2. Elected Mayor. I support the elected mayor proposition as a way to have more responsive, more efficient government that is closer to the people. An elected mayor will be a SeaTac resident, more aware of the needs of the citizens, and directly accountable to the voters. Also, dropping the high salary of a non-resident City Manager will reduce the cost of government, benefiting the taxpayers.

Othman Heibe
1. Qualifications. I represent a new generation of leadership for the City of SeaTac. As a volunteer mediator for a local nonprofit organization, I believe in bringing people together around our shared values, rather than engaging in divisive politics. In this tough economy, we all need to be working together on strategies to attract and retain local jobs.
Our country and community have provided me tremendous opportunities-to work for a local business, education through the University of Washington, tutoring young people and active engagement here in SeaTac. I am ready and prepared to give back by serving SeaTac residents in this position.
We need to improve fiscal responsibility by ending frivolous spending and better targeting our limited resources where they are needed most: supporting human services for our elders, children and most vulnerable, in a safe, secure environment.
It is time for new ideas, new leaders and innovative solutions. It is time to pass the torch. It is time for change in SeaTac.

2. Elected Mayor. The choice: which would best serve the citizens of SeaTac, a politician running the city or a professional. SeaTac is a multi-million dollar operation, with a dozen departments and over a hundred employees. Effectively running an enterprise of this size and complexity requires significant skills and abilities. A City Council can require these of a City Manager, however there are no such requirements for a Mayor. If a City Manager doesn't have the requisite competency, the Council can simply hire a replacement. A Mayor Recall election requires a significant investment of time, labor and resources.
The current Council/Manager form of government provides a voice for the people through their elected Council members, who provide oversight to a trained, professional City Manager. An elected Mayor will simply add an unnecessary layer of government. I prefer professional management over political management.