Elma mayor

When Jim Sorensen announced earlier this year he would not seek a third term as mayor of Elma, two current city council members — Josh Collette and John Heater — made their bid for the next leader of the small but fast-growing city in east county.

Collette said that during his four years on council he implemented a long-term planning process, and would continue that process to address overdue maintenance to public infrastructure. He named the intersection at Main Street and Highway 12, remodel of the public safety building, demolition of the Elma Theatre, improving safety of sidewalks and crossing, and park enhancements.

Given a projected increase of rail traffic through Grays Harbor, Collette said he would work with proper agencies to ensure emergency vehicles aren’t blocked by trains from key routes throughout the town.

As mayor, Collette said he would look to implement technology, improve city processes, look for additional revenue streams and reduce staff turnover.

During his 15 years living in Elma, Collette has served as a volunteer firefighter and on a handful of community boards and committees.

“I am raising my family in Elma, I love this community, and I want to see it thrive,” Collette wrote in an email. “My leadership and professional experience in government finance and operations makes me the best candidate to get the most out of our resources and see progress in our town.”

Heater, his opponent, is approaching two years of service on the city council, a time of service he said inspired a mayoral bid.

Two decades of life in Elma as a small business owner, and experience as a “life-long entrepreneur,” gives Heater a “unique” perspective he said he would apply to a leadership role with the city.

“When you really look at it, a city is nothing more than an incorporated business,” Heater wrote in an email. “Taxpayers are our customers, and in order to keep the doors open we must supply a necessary product that they see value in what we are doing.”

Heater said he would focus on completing overdue maintenance to public infrastructure, including “enjoyable and inclusive parks, dynamic cross walks, road repair and sewer system replacement.” He said hiring a grant writer to the city staff would enhance that effort.

Other than grants, Heater said he would “start looking outside the box” to find opportunities for funding and challenge each department to find ways to increase revenues without raising taxes.

“We’ve done it the same way forever and it isn’t working. Let’s try something different,” Heater wrote.

Elma City Council Position 4

Mike Cooper looks to defend his seat from challenger Shane Jhanson in the race for position 4 on the Elma City Council.

Cooper has held the seat since 2019. Outside of Elma’s governing body he brings substantial elected experience: He represented the 21st district in the Washington state House of Representatives, serving two terms from 2001-2004; served as chair of the Snohomish County Council; then was elected mayor of Edmonds before moving to Elma.

He worked professionally as a firefighter in Shoreline, and has served on a handful of fire and non-fire related boards and committees.

He highlighted the city’s work to facilitate the construction of the city’s new justice center, which will house the police station, municipal courts and emergency operations, using grants and loans instead of increased taxes.

That project is his highest priority as a council member, he said, but other priorities include completing the demolition of the Elma Theatre and addressing staffing shortages throughout the city, especially by restoring the Code enforcement role.

“During my time as a legislator, council member, and mayor, I have fought to support recreational opportunities for families and seniors,” Cooper wrote in an email. “I am continuing that fight as we master plan 10th Street Park turning it into a park for people of all ages and abilities.”

“I will continue my fight for a viable business community, safe sidewalks and streets.”

Cooper’s challenger, Shane Jhanson, did not provide an email address or cell phone number through the Grays Harbor County Auditor’s website, and attempts to contact Jhanson through the city of Elma were unsuccessful.

Based on information Jhanson provided in a voter’s pamphlet, Jhanson has served as a volunteer firefighter with the Elma Fire Department, and contributed to multiple charity events through the Old Hippys Motorcycle Club.

In a personal statement, Jhanson wrote, “As a lifelong Elma resident I am committed to putting the needs and concerns of our community first. I am a former volunteer firefighter for the City of Elma; and have been directly involved in the planning and orchestrating of several charity events benefiting organizations such as the VFW, Backpacks for Kids, the ARC of Grays Harbor, Elma Cub Scouts, and several more. I enjoy giving my time to the community and look forward to working with the citizens of Elma.”

Contact reporter Clayton Franke at 406-552-3917 or clayton.franke@thedailyworld.com.