Sequim, in Clallam County, Wash., is holding municipal elections on Nov. 2, 2021. Five city council seats are up for election this year. In total, the Sequim City Council is composed of seven members who serve four-year terms.
Candidates submitted statements to the Washington Secretary of State when they filed a Declaration of Candidacy for use in the Voter’s Pamphlet. Responses are republished here. They have not been altered in any way.
Sequim City Council Position No. 2
Sarah Kincaid (incumbent): “As a Sequim resident for 21 years, I understand our community and its needs. I care deeply about the future of Sequim because my history here gives me a “citizen’s” voice from the people, for the people. As a city councilwoman I voted to support small businesses and families by using rainy day funds during COVID, and ‘no’ to utility rate increases in 2021.
I advocate cutting red tape and reducing fees, helping Sequim become more business-friendly, reaching out to bring more small- to medium size businesses offering more employment opportunities for our citizens, while maintaining our “small town” atmosphere.
I understand and promote the need for enhanced medical care and a 24/7 emergency clinic.
I am married with two grown children and 3 grandchildren.
Our lives are greatly influenced by local government. We need to pay attention to it and elect individuals who will truly represent us. I believe government should be transparent and accountable. In these challenging times, we need to spend less, not more, to keep more money in the pockets of the people. I promise to continue to do just that, and I ask for your vote.”
To read Kincaid’s full statement, click here.
Kathy Downer: “As a councilwoman I served as the liaison to the Traffic, Alternative Transportation, Storm Water, and Brick Streets. I was a member of Main Street. ( for downtown businesses).
My husband retired as a small businessman, and we traveled across the country to live in beautiful Sequim. Three out of four of our adult children settled here with us and appreciate all of the outdoor activities Sequim has to offer.
I was in the Sequim City wide Christmas Choir in 2019, and I volunteer at Trinity United Methodist Church.
Local politics matter. We need a council made up of people dedicated to transparency, and accessibility. They need to represent all of the citizens of Sequim, and not just the people who voted for them.
I feel that my background will make me a good council member on the Sequim City Council.”
To read Downer’s full statement, click here.
Sequim City Council Position No. 3
Mike Pence (incumbent): “I’ve served on the Sequim City Council for a year-plus, and it has been very productive in restoring city government to the people of Sequim. We have made progress in addressing affordable housing and public safety. We have changed the zoning downtown to encourage multi-unit housing development. We’ve also navigated much needed improvements to Fir Street and we even enacted water and sewer rate reductions for low-income people.
My hands-on experience in government management and processes have greatly benefited the council. Priorities for my next term include: a satellite 24/7 emergency room; encouraging cost effective housing by reducing building fees so it is more feasible for development to occur; reducing regulations and fees to encourage businesses to locate in Sequim; supporting Police, Fire and EMS due to increases in homelessness and the upcoming opening of the Medically Assisted Treatment clinic.
With your support, we can continue the progress we all have worked so hard for in Sequim. It is time for Sequim to have common sense leadership combined with a professional background. I have the experience and passion to see our town thrive.
Let’s continue having Sequim be a great place to live.”
To read Pence’s full statement, click here.
Vicki L. Lowe: “I am a lifelong resident of Sequim, having worked and raised my children here. The role of the city government is to represent every city resident. I feel my perspective will add a voice not currently heard on our City Council. As a council member, I want to ensure that issues, goals, and priorities are thoughtfully understood, ensuring that decisions made consider both public interest and impact. It is also vital for the City Government to build ties to and connections with other organizations in Clallam County to serve the needs of our citizens. City Councilors need to act as innovators, role models, conduits for information exchange, and “positive disruptors.” Problem solving happens when we listen to hear each other and come to reasonable solutions.
Sequim Citizens should have a choice for who represents them. My life and work experience here in Sequim, my connection to people in the community who might not feel represented will help me bring another perspective to the table. I want to serve my community, please vote for me for Sequim City Council Position #3.”
To read Lowe’s full statement, click here.
Sequim City Council Position No. 4
Rachel Anderson (incumbent): “In my work on city council, I have seen what our challenges are, and I want to keep working on them. My main concerns are workforce housing, small business sustainability, and mental health advocacy. I also have high expectations for integrity and transparency in government. By listening to each other and exploring issues, we’ll find much to agree about, and we’ll find better solutions that work for more people.
I am honored that the council appointed me. As a young, low-income parent, I bring a unique perspective to the council. My work as a volunteer and on boards of non-profits, like OlyCAP, has prepared me for this service, and I am digging in. I am passionate about this work and I’ve shown my dedication to service. Growing up in Sequim, I had challenges at home and the schools and community gave me the support I needed. Now, I’m ready to give back to the community that has given me so much.
I am asking for your vote so that I can keep serving you. It’s time for us to come together to make Sequim better. For more information, visit https://rachelandersonfors.wixsite.com/rachelforsequim.”
To read Anderson’s full statement, click here.
Daryl Ness: “My wife and I love Sequim, especially the people. Since my retirement, I am hoping to put my business experience to good use. My experience in managing large budgets with multiple work groups has provided me an edge in large project success. I enjoy building teams to accomplish the goals we set and have experience in measuring progress to affirm direction.
I worked for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad as a conductor/switchman/yardmaster for 13 years. Later, I was in management for 24 years. I started as a management first line supervisor with BNSF. After working 12 different management positions, I retired as General Manager of the Northwest Division in Seattle, which manages Washington, Oregon, Idaho and parts of Canada. After retiring from BNSF Railroad, I was Chief Operating Officer for Peninsula Terminal Railroad in Portland for four years, retiring in 2019.
I have a great deal to contribute to the City of Sequim and the surrounding area. I am ready to serve Sequim’s citizens in elective office.
I love sports. I am a member of the Sequim Picklers (pickleball), belong to Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course and also play senior softball.”
To read Ness’ full statement, click here.
Sequim City Council Position No. 5
Brandon Janisse (incumbent): “For over 20 years I have been a Sequim citizen, with a few of those years, serving in the United States Army. For the past 4 years I have been fighting on behalf of Sequim’s families, as a Councilman. I am proud of the many accomplishments we have achieved together; however, there is still work to be done. I am running for re-election to continue my fight in delivering good paying jobs, affordable housing and transparent government. Currently the city council is majority appointed and experience matters. I am a husband, father and a devoted servant to my constituents. I put in 20-30 hours a week as a city councilor and my door is always open. I have testified before the state legislator and work hard on behalf of Sequim citizens each day. I achieved my Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from ACW and will continue to seek out learning and growth opportunities. I currently or have served on the Planning Commission, Clallam Transit Board, the Finance Committee and the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Service to my community is my passion. I am proud of my record while serving you and would be honored to earn your vote.”
To read Janisse’s full statement, click here.
Patrick Day: “Experience matters. I joined the military right out of high school, eventually becoming an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Expert serving in the Gulf War. Following a hiatus working for the Brinks Armored Car service, I returned to public service as a Peace Officer for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation serving 27 years. I became active in the California Correctional Peace Officer Association, our state and local union. I am currently an elected trustee for the CCPOA Health and Welfare Benefit Trust.
I have acquired many skills in problem-solving, crisis management, and conflict resolution from my years of public service and union activities. Together, they have given me great wisdom and experience in dealing with people issues and finding resolution to those issues. I wish to employ those skills by continuing my life of service to the people of Sequim.
I believe our police, fire and all city workers should be fully supported. All city business must be conducted in an efficient and transparent manner. I will work hard to help grow Sequim in a manner that ensures this beautiful city is free and safe from big city problems so this city stays beautiful for all citizens and guests.”
To read Day’s full statement, click here.
Sequim City Council Position No. 6
Keith A. Larkin: “My previous experience of public service in wildfire fighting and prevention, have prepared me well to serve the people of Sequim by seeking solutions that represent their will in all matters that come before the Council. I have held critical leadership positions with substantial budgetary authority, including Chief Administrator of a 110-man inmate Conservation Camp with a $10M budget; and Fire Chief, Fresno County with a $30M budget. My final posting as Senior Executive – Deputy Chief Northern Region which spanned 22 counties and 12 executive managers required collaboration with state and local agencies from diverse disciplines and interests including Emergency Management, Public Safety, Tribal Leadership, Community Groups, Military, Transportation, Utilities and Support Services. I seek open and diverse communications to reach effective decisions that reflect the will of the citizens. I vow to proactively collaborate with my fellow councilors, seek information from the community, be well educated on the issues and to serve with the highest level of integrity.
My priorities in office are: public safety first; encourage manageable growth including affordable housing, good stewardship of the taxpayer’s dollars, cultivate small businesses, enhance the development of our youth, maintain our small-town appeal, and promote tourism to our City.”
To read Larkin’s full statement, click here.
Lowell Rathbun: “I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for 25 years, 4 of them in Sequim. I was originally drawn to learn more about the Sequim city government during the controversy over the tribal Healing Clinic. I discovered that a city was happening here, and I wanted to help.
I believe it is important to help restore trust between Sequim’s citizens and their elected officials. Lately the city has lost its exceptionally qualified city manager under circumstances that remain unexplained. As result, there has been a loss of trust between the public and our city council. Being open about my intentions, listening to you, the voter, and responding honestly will be a good beginning in restoring trust on our council. It is crucial that we maintain a firewall between politics and the day-to-day management of Sequim.
Good government is about helping people. It is urgent for Sequim to find effective solutions to the acute problem of available and affordable workforce housing. Increasing human services, especially to our homeless population, and providing broadband service to all our citizens are examples of how Sequim can help people. Assisting the viability of small businesses, increasing local prosperity helps everyone.”
To read Rathbun’s full statement, click here.
Clallam County is holding municipal elections in its three cities—Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks— in 2021. Twenty-six offices are up for election in those cities. Click here to read more about those elections.