BLOGSUNNYSIDE

Candidates for the vacant position on the Council for the City of Sunnyside had until February 17 to file with the City Clerk.  The deadline has passed, and six citizens have stepped forward for consideration.  I am one of the six, and am pleased with the high interest in the vacant seat.  Regardless of whether I am selected, I feel good about the process that has brought forward such a great group for consideration.

In no particular order, here are the candidates:

Mike Farmer: Past member of the City Council (8 years), and small business owner for 36 years.  Mr. Farmer has served on various city, school, and community boards and committees.

Jesse Hernandez: President of the Chamber of Commerce (2 years), and member of the city’s planning commission as well as parks and recreation commission.  Mr. Hernandez is in business as a Financial Advisor (CMFC).

Craig Hicks: 20 year veteran of the United States Coast Guard, with experience in development and administration of annual budgets.

Jose Salas: CEO of a small business in Sunnyside.  Prior management experience and work in collection accounts for multiple businesses.

Kristiann Vlieger: Graduate of Washington State University, B.S. in Agribusiness, B.A. in French.  Ms. Vlieger has experience as a business owner, in customer service, food service, and horse training.

Jason Raines: Your humble blog editor, graduate of Auburn University, Auburn, AL, Management Information Systems.  Four year U.S. Army veteran. Current stay at home father.  Prior retail management and customer service experience.  Former business owner / independent contractor as an Over The Road truck driver.

The current plan is for the City Council to consider all of the candidates in a special session, prior to the start of the regular meeting on March 9, 2009.  A selection to fill the position can be made by Council at any time.