Mark Lamb has spent six years in the mayor’s seat on the Bothell City Council. Tris Samberg has almost 14 years of service under her belt as a Bothell planning commissioner and councilmember.

In the general election, they’ll go head-to-head for Position No. 6. Ballots were mailed to residents Oct. 20 and the votes will start to be tallied tonight. The Reporter will post the first round of Northshore city-council, school-district, fire-district, utility-district and Bothell-annexation results by 9 p.m.

Deadline to return ballots to a drop box is 8 p.m. tonight. Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than today.

“I am extremely proud of the Bothell City Council that I have led for the last six years,” Lamb said.  “This council has cut taxes, increased reserves when times were good, had Bothell’s credit rating upgraded twice, and planned to build for our future when costs are low.”

Added Samberg of her city-service experience: “I have a perspective that allows me to value the past while planning for the future. I have demonstrated that I study issues thoroughly, ask tough questions, bring a balanced approach and am responsive to citizen input.”

Bill Evans has been involved in municipal government for 38 years, including four with the city of Bothell, and he’ll welcome the challenge of  newcomer Nicholas Carlson for Position No. 4.

“It is an exciting time for our city and it has been rewarding to be involved in planning for our current and future generations,” Evans said.  “Having recently celebrated Bothell’s 100-year anniversary, it is important to plan for the future well being of our community and maintain a healthy environment.”

Carlson feels that Bothell City Council leadership is “poor,” and he hopes to give the city a fresh voice and perspective.

“A majority on the council has been quite intent to push through highly controversial proposals on some occasions and to ignore common sense on others,” he said. “They want to reward their political supporters and disregard the pleas of the council minority, not to mention the community at large. Such a consistent split in the council is the clearest indication of dysfunction.”

Over at Position No. 2, Adam Brauch and Andy Rheaume hope to win a council seat for the first time.

Brauch aims to represent the citizens of Bothell with a positive, independent voice.

“I am a strong supporter of the downtown development direction and creation of jobs,” he said. “Attracting McMenamins and Google came from strong leadership and policies, such as no tax increases, that have created a positive economic position for Bothell.”

Rheaume possesses more than 11 years of experience working in senior-level positions for the cities of Redmond and Seattle.

“I know how cities function from the inside, and what it takes to be effective on City Council,” he said. “I want to be on City Council because I want to give back to my community in a meaningful way, as I’m well-qualified for this leadership role.”

Kenmore City Council: Race is on for Position 7 | Election 2011

Three unopposed candidates, one showdown between two current councilmembers. That’s how things will look on the Kenmore City Council portion of the general-election ballot.

Mayor David Baker leads the charge all alone for Position No. 5, saying that he will “continue to foster a healthy economic climate and work to improve city streets, as well as finish the State Route 522 project.”

Baker listed his strengths as having a good track record as an elected official and garnering respect in the region and the state.

Deputy Mayor Milton Curtis is locked solo into Position No. 3 and sees Kenmore as a “great city with incredible potential.” He cites the 80 acres between Lakepointe and Plywood Supply, which could eventually be developed by those private owners into civic, business and living spaces, as one key to Kenmore’s growth.

Council newcomer Brent Smith sits all by himself in Position No. 1.

He’s shown maximum involvement in giving Kenmore a boost over the years, though: working with city staff, councilmembers and community leaders on a number of local projects; serving on the St. Edward State Park Advisory Committee and as a boardmember and founding member of Families for Active Parks in Kenmore; coaching local youth sports organizations.

It’s at Position No. 7 where things will get interesting with John Hendrickson and Glenn Rogers trying to get voters on their sides.

“With nine-plus years of extensive hard work in public service to Kenmore, I have the experience and know how to deliver productive, efficient, transparent and respectful government,” Hendrickson said.

Among his many reasons for running for council, Rogers says the he values citizen involvement and seeks out the opinions of the quiet or less heard people of Kenmore.

“Citizen involvement in our local government is key to our future success and holding us accountable,” he added.