Sullivan, Sinclair for County Council

SNOHOMISH County Council is losing two veteran members to term limits — Democrat Kirke Sievers and Republican Gary Nelson — but the electorate is drawing replacements from a deep, talent-rich bench.

Democratic state Rep. Brian Sullivan is endorsed for the District 2 council seat, which covers Mukilteo and a big swath of Everett. He currently represents the 21st Legislative District in Olympia, and is a former Mukilteo councilman and mayor. Sullivan is ready to go to work, with years of experience on county issues, from Paine Field's future to growth management and economic development.

The Republican in the race, William Cooper, a former police chief on Bainbridge Island, was originally interested in the sheriff's race until he was steered toward the County Council. Cooper is able and organized, but he is no match for Sullivan's community connections and breadth of political experience.

Council District 3, which covers Woodway, Lynnwood and Edmonds, is a closer call between candidates with broad civic résumés. The endorsement goes to Republican Renee Radcliff Sinclair. She is steeped in public-policy issues through volunteer service on councils, boards and commissions on land use, the county airport, transportation and job creation. Sinclair, who won four elections as a state representative, now serves on the county planning commission.

Democrat Mike Cooper, a retired firefighter, is equally hardworking, and well grounded in public service and electoral politics. He also served in the state House of Representatives, and was an unsuccessful candidate for state lands commissioner.

Cooper and Sinclair served on the recent county charter review commission together. Election of either candidate would not diminish the able representation enjoyed by the constituents of incumbent Nelson.

The nod goes to Sinclair because we think her progressive-Republican, pro-business voice will leaven the County Council viewpoint.

Her current work with local and national Chamber of Commerce organizations and her past record in public office have prepared Sinclair for new duties and responsibilities.