ELECTION Q&A: Soap Lake mayoral candidates

SOAP LAKE — There is one candidate and one write-in candidate for the Soap Lake mayoral race. Incumbent Peter Sharp is the only candidate listed on the ballot. However, Karen Woodhouse is running as a write-in candidate.  

Both candidates were given the questions below and given identical deadlines and word count restrictions for their answers.  

What is your strategy, if elected, for managing the city's budget effectively while still investing in necessary services and infrastructure?  

SHARP: I will manage Soap Lake’s budget carefully while investing in essential services and infrastructure. With our director of finance, we developed this plan based on the current budget and our long-term goals. I will focus on wise spending, transparency and finding outside funding to lessen the burden on local taxpayers. 

WOODHOUSE: If elected Mayor, I will implement a line-item budget that shows exactly where monies are allocated. I will invite the City Council to look at monthly expenditure and perform internal audits to ensure funds are being used as intended. Department heads will be aware of their percentage of the budget and the finance director will provide reports to be assessed. Department heads and an engineering firm will research and apply for grants to aid in costs of present and future projects. 

How will you handle any disagreements or criticism that may arise from citizens, staff or city council?  

WOODHOUSE: Disagreements or criticisms from citizens need to be addressed. Open dialogue and really listening to the concerns of residents is the first step. I will reach out to the city council, department heads and city attorney to resolve issues appropriately. 

City staff will be under the authority of the hired city administrator, who will use their expertise along with an updated personnel manual. Union representatives and (the) city attorney will be available to address any unresolved concerns. 

With honest communication and respect for the city council, I aim to avoid conflict. But in the event of disagreement, I would use existing municipal codes, RCWs and (the) city attorney to amend. 

SHARP: Disagreement and criticism are part of a healthy local government – they mean people care. My approach is to handle every concern with respect, transparency and teamwork.  

What measures will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in your government?  

SHARP: Transparency and accountability are vital for public trust. As mayor, I will ensure that all decisions and discussions at Soap Lake City Hall are clear and accessible to residents. I will hold open-door office hours and encourage participation in council meetings. Our budgeting process will be transparent, with public hearings and detailed summaries of how city funds are allocated. 

WOODHOUSE: As Mayor, I will conduct myself in a professional manner, while being accessible to the public. I will have no personal agenda. Ideas, proposals and projects will be brought before the city council and public for input. Assessment from department heads and (the) city attorney will be required before implementing any major ventures that will need approval from city council before proceeding. When approved, updates will be presented throughout the process until completion. 

What are three areas that need improvement in Soap Lake you hope to address if you are elected?  

WOODHOUSE: As Mayor, I will ask the city council to create a full-time code enforcement position and advocate for affordable housing and business viability. Code enforcement will improve the living conditions, health and safety of residents. Proper code enforcement, partnered with reassessment and possible changes in zoning will directly attract business owners, and possibly encourage additional housing alternatives. These three areas need addressing. 

SHARP: My priority is to lead with fiscal responsibility and vision – keeping Soap Lake financially strong, improving infrastructure, expanding housing and opportunity and ensuring our community remains safe and united.  

If elected, what legacy do you hope to leave as mayor, and what long-term vision do you have for the City of Soap Lake?  

SHARP: I hope to leave a strong, sustainable foundation. I want Soap Lake to be known as a city that turned the corner on financial instability: with multi-decade financial planning (projections through 2063), diverse revenue sources (like a passport center and upgraded tourism assets), full staffing of essential services and reliable, modern public works.  

WOODHOUSE: I hope to be remembered as the first Soap Lake Mayor elected in a write-in campaign and as the last elected mayor, as I am a proponent of a manager and council form of government. One who unified the city and encouraged collaboration for the benefit of all citizens. My long-term vision is of Soap Lake as a small, prosperous city where residents and businesses thrive and are able to take pride in their community and natural environment.  

How can residents find out more about your campaign and contact you for further information? Do you have any upcoming events? 

WOODHOUSE: My Facebook page is karenwoodhouseformayor. My website is karenwoodhouseformayor. My email is [email protected].  

I will be hosting a drop-in Q&A session held at 315 Main Ave. E on Friday, Oct. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Friday Oct. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. 

SHARP: My official campaign website is mayorsharp.com. Contact me at [email protected].  

Learn more 

More information about Soap Lake mayoral candidates can be found on the Columbia Basin Herald website. The Herald has published another Q&A with candidates which can be found here: bit.ly/SLQandA1.  

Individual profiles on each of the candidates were also published. Woodhouse’s profile can be found at: bit.ly/WoodhouseProfile. Sharp’s profile can be found at: bit.ly/SharpProfile.