For all practical purposes, most of the political races to be contested on the West End this fall are already decided. That’s because most of the candidates for the various positions are unopposed.
There is one important exception: mayor of Forks, a race that pits newcomer Janet Hughes against an incumbent. Hughes, who with her husband, Tom, opened JT’s Sweet Stuffs 12 years ago and who continues to operate the business, is facing off against Mayor Bryon Monohon.
Regarding her campaign, Hughes said, “Logging and fishing are the foundation with which Forks was created and these resources and jobs must be protected and ongoing. As I believe we must not forget where we came from, it is equally important to drive forward and make others aware of the unique beauty in this area and ensure the city’s infrastructure is ready for the future.”
Hughes is an active member of the Forks community.
She is immediate past president of West End Business and Professional Association and served on the board of Forks Chamber of Commerce, assisted with RainFest, Stephenie Meyer Day and various other citywide events.
JT’s Sweet Stuffs was selected Business of the Year in 2012 by the Chamber of Commerce.
Hughes served as executive director for the Olympic Peninsula Chapter of the American Red Cross after moving from Astoria, Ore., where she held the same position.
“Through my many journeys, I’ve witnessed what the power of a united team with a common goal can truly accomplish,” said Hughes. “I’m ready to put in the long hours to build such a team in our city and make it a wonderful, safe place to call home.”
On the other hand
The incumbent, Bryon Monohon, said he’s running “to continue the steady hand at the helm as the city continues to steer through these challenging economic times. I also hope to continue the promotion of many projects and activities that need further development, including ongoing improvements in the police department and crime prevention/response as well as increased community participation and voice in city government.”
Monohon said all of the peninsula’s communities are “really getting challenged with this upswing of drugs and crime and we need to continue to actively work with the other agencies to take our communities back.”
He said the city has cultivated a good working relationship with “all of the law enforcement agencies in the region,” adding, “further cooperation is essential to progress.”
He said he’s particularly proud of certain successful projects he’s played a role in, including the rebuild of Russell Road and the extension of West End Thunder racing — “Even after we were told no!”
“I look forward to continuing successful relations with other politicians and government agencies at many different levels. Also, the fact that the city is debt-free is a big deal.”
Monohon has a bachelor’s degree in history and a B.S. in forest resources. His wife, Beatrice, is a mental health therapist.
Campaign notes
James Lew McGill is Commissioner No. 4 on Clallam County Fire District 1. And he can remain that for the next few years, if he so chooses.
That’s the word from Shoona Radon, the county’s elections supervisor. She said because no one signed up to run for the position in this fall’s election, “The incumbent stays where he is.”
McGill said he hadn’t planned to run, but now is uncertain what he’ll do. “I may resign,” he said.
Radon also reported that she recently received a write-in declaration from Dan Elvrum. He is running for school board director in the Cape Flattery School District, Director District 1. He is challenging Heather X. Greene.
