WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Oak Harbor mayor endorses newcomer over incumbent

As Oak Harbor’s City Council election heats up, Emily Gilbert has the story on candidate endorsements by two prominent local officials.

In the first endorsements of his political career, Oak Harbor Mayor Bob Severns… endorsed Shane Hoffmire, who is challenging Councilmember Joel Servatius in the November general election. The mayor also endorsed Stefanie “Fe” Mischo, who is running against Dan Evans for an open seat currently held by Erica Wasinger… In addition, Hoffmire earned an endorsement from Island County Commissioner Jill Johnson; she has represented Oak Harbor on the county board for nine years. She also helped Servatius in a previous campaign.

They Said It

Mayor Bob Severns: “The planning and development process in most Washington cities, including Oak Harbor, is a thoughtful and deliberate path that allows reasonable growth in measured amounts,” Severns wrote. “Most real estate developers and builders in our community understand the value of planning and strive to work within the system. A few, however, prefer to bend that system through politics. This coming election could result in more than a few, it could mean a majority, bending our system.”

Island County Commissioner Jill Johnson: Johnson wrote at length about her concerns with Servatius. “There has been his continued allegiance to the Vegas developer,” she wrote, referring to developer Scott Thompson, “and his refusal to acknowledge any actual truths about our state’s Growth Management that is unsettling.”

Councilmember Joel Servatius: Servatius said he was not surprised that he didn’t get the mayor’s endorsement, but added that he was surprised that the mayor endorsed anybody. However, he said there was no tension between him and the mayor.

Candidate Shane Hoffmire: Hoffmire said it would be “inappropriate to speculate” which real estate developers Severns may have been referring to in his letter to the editor. He is running on a campaign slogan of “an affordable future.”

Candidate Fe Mischo: Mischo, who also received the mayor’s endorsement, said she was “honored and humbled” to gain his support. 

Candidate Dan Evans: Evans, on the other hand, questioned Severns’ credibility in a written statement. “It is time that our untrusted politicians stop trying to choose our representatives and leave it up to the people,” Evans wrote.

On the ballot in November 2021 – Oak Harbor City Councilmembers:

• Position 4 – Dan Evans vs Stephanie “Fe” Mischo – Incumbent Erica Wasinger not running
• Position 5 – Incumbent Joel Servatius vs Shane Hoffmire
• Position 6 – Incumbent Jim Woessner running unopposed
• Position 7 – Andy Plumlee vs Bryan Stucky – Incumbent Millie Goebel not running