Puyallup Candidates Set For 2019 Elections

PUYALLUP, WA — On Monday, the last day to officially withdraw from the 2019 primary election in August, nine people remained in the running for positions on the Puyallup City Council — three of whom are incumbents, including Mayor John Palmer.

Palmer is running against Paul Herrera for his Council District 2, Pos. 1 seat. Palmer was reelected for his second term in 2016, and was later selected by the council to serve as mayor for 2018 and 2019.

Palmer was previously running against both Herrera and another candidate, Mark Palmer, until Mark bowed out and withdrew his name from the race on May 16.

Councilwoman Robin Farris is running to keep her Council District 1, Pos. 1 seat, but she's faced by challengers Curtis Thiel and Matt Cuyle. Farris has served on the council since 2016.

Running for the Council District 3, Pos. 1 seat are Ned Witting and Curt Gimmestad. And hoping to keep his seat as the Council-at-Large member is Dean Johnson, though he's challenged by Heather Shadko for the role.

Regarding the Puyallup School District's race to the school board, six candidates are vying for three positions. The race previously featured two additional candidates, but both Anahita Armin (Pos. 2) and Cody Ruscheinsky (Pos. 3) withdrew their names on May 20 and 17, respectively.

Now running unopposed for PSD Director Pos. 2 is Joseph Romero. He'll likely replace outgoing board member and Vice President Dane Looker, who's served since 2011.

Running for Director Pos. 3 against incumbent Michael Keaton are Amanda Cuthbert and Espen L. Pyrtek. Keaton, a legislative representative, has served on the board since 2015.

And finally, looking to replace outgoing board President Chris Ihrig as Director Pos. 5 are Turan Kayaoglu and Brock Carroll.

For more information on Washington's elections, visit www.sos.wa.gov/elections.