Todd and Wright have earned a shot at council seat

The race for Mill Creek City Council Pos. 6 pits incumbent Mike Todd against newcomer Ed McNichol. While McNichol would be a well-informed and energetic councilmember, Todd fills those roles, too, and deserves the voters' support in November.

Todd's priorities match well with the challenges facing Mill Creek and most other cities: growth related issues and staying on sound financial footing while still providing needed services.

With Todd on the council, the city has increased the police budget and added patrol focus to the neighborhoods, all while keeping the city's portion of the property tax flat. Todd supports a coordinated approach to the East Gateway commercial project and making sure that a proposed Wal-Mart with vested county-given rights be held to stringent development standards.

McNichol's views are much the same, although he makes a strong point for a more open and communicative city government. Good points, but not enough for voters to unseat Todd.

The race for Pos. 5 is unusual in that there is no incumbent after Dale Hensley decided to not seek re-election. In this case, longtime volunteer, member of numerous boards and Mill Creek booster Chuck Wright gets the nod over Mark Harmsworth.

Wright is indefatigable when it comes to giving his time and experience to everything from the Seattle Hill Road noise group, the library board and Sheriff's Office to helping the Red Cross in the aftermath of 9/11. Wright's open and considering approach to any issue facing the city would add flavor to the council.

Wright likes recent strides by police, but supports continuing to bolster the force. He sees East Gateway as an opportunity, with a watchful eye on Wal-Mart. He wants the city to support a senior center, perhaps even help apply for grants, but stop short of taking on the expense in the general fund.

Harmsworth shares those views, but Wright has shown the energy to get them done.