Edmonds City Councilmember Neil Tibbott — who in late January announced he was running for re-election to his City Council seat — on Wednesday said he is now running for Edmonds Mayor.

Tibbott said he decided to run for mayor to ensure voters have a clear choice of leadership style. The other declared mayoral candidate so far is Edmonds City Councilmember Mike Nelson. Current Mayor Dave Earling has decided not to run for a third term

“When I look at my opponent (Nelson), in particular, I think I bring some leadership strengths that I don’t see in him,” Tibbott said. “I think once people get to know us, the choices will be clear.”

A professionally certified management consultant, Tibbott said that his almost 20-year background in public engagement ensures he will be “bringing a conversation rather than an agenda” into the the mayor’s office.

“We all live in Edmonds because it is an extraordinary and exceptional community,” he said in announcing his candidacy. “I am running to build on the great things that have been accomplished over many decades. With your help we will ensure that our future is as bright as our past.”

Tibbott cited his service in leadership roles for the past 10 years “that have put me front and center on issues facing our community.” In addition to a term on the city council, Tibbott has served on the Edmonds Planning Board, including time as chair, and on the city’s Transportation Committee.

“In my professional capacity over the last 10 years I have helped organizations implement
change at a board level. Budgeting, hiring and managing personnel are a big part of
what goes into my consulting process,” he said. “In the past, I have written training curriculum on group facilitation and conflict management. I consistently drew on those experiences as chairman of the planning board and they have been particularly useful as a member of the city council.

“I know city systems and want to keep them humming,” he said.

Tibbott said he is committed to the ongoing development of current projects
like the Edmonds Waterfront Center and Civic Field. One of the highest priorities of his administration, he said, would be to advance plans for developing the Highway 99 corridor.

“I plan to continue my focus on our community’s ability to provide necessary services for
our citizens, e.g., public safety, transportation, utilities in addition to the amenities that
make Edmonds such a wonderful community,” he said in his announcement. “While it will be important for us to budget wisely as we move forward on significant public projects such as building Civic Park, implementing the [Waterfront] Connector and improving the health of the Edmonds Marsh, we also need to facilitate important city-wide conversations regarding longer range plans. I believe we can be the city that gets growth right.”

Tibbott said he will continue “to promote enhancements for our neighborhood business zones like Perrinville, Westgate and Firdale Village. I helped rally support for the roundabout at Five Corners and will do so again for other large improvements that attract state and federal funding.

“There will be changes, but when we plan for them and involve our residents and
business leaders, good things happen,” he said.

A graduate of the University of Washington School of Communications, Tibbott has lived in Edmonds for over 20 years. His wife Margaret teaches at Chase Lake School and the couple has four adult children.

“My family and friends have agreed with me that this is the time for me to run for mayor,” Tibbott said.

To see a list of Tibbott’s supporters and learn more about the candidate, visit www.neiltibbott.com.