The political season has officially begun. The pondering is over. Office seekers have filed the necessary forms, paid the requisite fees, and committed to the hard work that campaigning and holding an office demand. No doubt some candidates are already busy developing their messages, plotting their strategies. The political process is fascinating, but meaningful only if candidates and voters alike participate in earnest debate of the issues. Plug in, folks. You can make a difference.

City races

Of Woodinville’s seven City Council positions, three expire at the end of this year. Each nonpartisan position has a term of four years and a salary of $600 a month. Council members represent the community at large, not specific districts within the city. City staff and a number of volunteer boards and commissions make recommendations to the council on various issues, projects and proposed regulations. The City Council takes public comment, deliberates and acts on the recommendations. It establishes goals and sets policy. It also appropriates funds needed to conduct city business.

Some issues before the council are smart growth, traffic, economic development, fiscal responsibility, city revenue vis-à-vis the state’s new streamlined sales tax, and plans for downtown and the Little Bear Creek area.

City Hall observer Jeff Glickman, Wellington Neighborhood activist Dave Henry and former city councilman Randy Ransom will face off for a council position currently held by Gina Leonard.

Peter Tountas, who waged a write-in campaign in 2005, challenges incumbent Scott Hageman, who has been on the council since 1996.

In a four-way race, Parks Commissioner Liz Aspen, member of the Sustainable Development Study citizen panel Susan Boundy-Sanders, political watchdog Christy Diemond and Emergency Preparedness Commissioner Al Taylor are running for the seat occupied by Mayor Cathy VonWald.

Area races

Only one person has entered the race for Woodinville Water District Commissioner Position No. 2: incumbent Tim Matson. The Board of Commissioners is the water district’s legislative body that establishes policies through resolutions and motions. The Board also adopts the district’s annual budget, establishes rates and charges, approves appropriations, contracts for services, and issues debt to fund capital expenditures.

Two Northshore School District Board of Directors positions are open: Incumbent Janet Quinn is the sole candidate for Director District No. 2; Incumbent B-Z Davis faces a challenge from Dawn McCravey for Director District No. 3. School board terms are four years. According to the district Web site, “School Board members make all final decisions regarding school district priorities, policies, personnel, textbooks, expenditures and growth management. The Board adopts a budget that is necessary to maintain and operate the schools. To enhance state revenue, the Board also proposes levy and bond issues for community consideration.”

Two Woodinville Fire & Life Safety District Board of Commissioners positions expire this year. The Board of Commissioners oversees how the fire district is administrated, paying particular attention to district finances. Incumbent Bob Miller is running unopposed for Position No. 2; Incumbent Roy Bleikamp, Kevin Coughlin and Scott Sanderson are vying for Position No. 4.

Public Hospital District No. 2 is Evergreen Healthcare’s legal name. The district is governed by five commissioners whose duty is to ensure that community health needs are being met. Their terms are six years. Rebecca Hirt, serving on the board since 1983, runs unchallenged for Position No. 2, which represents Kirkland / Kenmore. Jeanette Greenfield, the at-large representative on the board, has served since 1998. She faces no opponent for Position No. 5.