With a mayor and a congressman in his corner, D.J. Wilson launches re-election campaign

Edmonds City Councilmember D.J. Wilson launched his campaign for re-election late Thursday afternoon to dozens of supporters who gathered at Walnut Street Coffee.

Wilson, accompanied by his wife Karianna and his two young children, noted that when he first campaigned for council, his son was six months old and his daughter had not yet been born. Having children “just changed everything for me,” said Wilson, who noted that he is focused on “thinking a generation or two ahead” when working on council issues.

A former Edmonds Community College political science instructor who now owns a public affairs firm, Wilson ticked off three major accomplishments during his first term:

– His work to clean up Lake Ballinger, where increased stormwater runoff during the past 30 years has caused both flooding and pollution issues. Wilson cited his efforts with the Lake Ballinger/McAleer Creek Forum, which includes the cities of Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, to come up with solutions, including ongoing efforts to secure federal funding through Congressman Jay Inslee.

– Leading council passage of an ordinance that permits local churches to provide temporary cold-weather shelter to homeless individuals and families when the temperature drops below freezing.

– Ensuring that the City of Edmonds has a sustainability element in its comprehensive plan, which ensures that environmental and sustainability issues are considered during the city planning process.

Wilson was introduced to the crowd by Edmonds Mayor Mike Cooper, who has endorsed Wilson’s re-election campaign, citing his focus on economic development. “There is a need in our city to keep together a group of progressive city councilmembers,” Cooper said.

Congressman Inslee also stopped by to provide an endorsement, and in particular cited Wilson’s work on the Lake Ballinger issue. “He’s done a fantastic job,” Inslee said.

The Congressman also fielded a few questions from the audience, including one on whether he will be a candidate for governor. Inslee said he is waiting for two-term Gov. Chris Gregoire to decide whether she is going to run for re-election, but added he is likely to make an announcement by late June.

 

  1. Congressman Inslee also cited what a strong leader DJ has been for the City of Edmonds in Washington, D.C. Inslee said DJ has proven he has the ability to bring the attention and resources of the federal government to Edmonds. Pretty high praise from a remarkable leader in my opinion.

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