Candidates running for Edmonds City Council and Edmonds Port Commission discussed issues and priorities during this Oct. 16 event sponsored by My Edmonds News and the Edmonds Waterfront Center.

by Jenna Peterson

… In the primary, Newman trailed Barnett with 42% of the vote. Newman is the executive director of American Red Cross Northwest Washington. His priorities are public safety, affordability and environmental protection. He was inspired to run for City Council after hearing about the potential sale of city parks and the city’s budget crisis.

“It’s time for a nonprofit executive who’s used to working within really tight budgets and creating revenue through creative ways to get us out of this,” he said. “It’s in contrast to the way that I see the other side of the issue working in Edmonds right now, which is to continue to slash and burn everything.”

By Susan Paine

I’m writing to express my enthusiastic support for Alex Newman in his campaign for Edmonds Council. At a time when solid leadership and evidence-based solutions are more critical than ever, Alex will bring his public policy experience to stands out as a rare leader who combines progressive values with a deep, practical understanding of policy.

… Please join me, and many others in supporting Alex Newman and helping bring thoughtful, leadership to Edmonds, he is who I want to work with on Council.

By Pam Tauer

… Alex’s executive position with the American Red Cross has given him the experience and insight to help run a city with $120 million in expenses. He is wise enough to understand that a $20 million deficit can’t be fixed by accounting tricks and supports yes on proposition 1. Along with the environment, he is a strong supporter of public safety and of planning for coming climate change.

… Let’s elect leaders that reflect our local values, let’s elect Alex Newman.

Pam Tauer is writing on behalf of the following Edmonds residents:

Greg Ferguson, Gayla Shoemake, Lu Loree, Steve Cristol, Georgina Armstrong, David Jones, Marjorie Fields, Cynthia Jones, Kathy Ferguson, Jane Odell

Watch Alicia Crank and Edmonds City Council candidate Alex Newman enjoy a 1-on-1 conversation about budgets, background, and loving where you live.

By Brian Soergel

… Edmond Beacon: What do you see as the top 3 priorities for the City, and why?

Alex Newman: 1. Protecting public services and public safety, including our emergency response abilities. Everyone deserves safe neighborhoods and quick, effective responses to crime and medical emergencies.

2. Increasing affordability to make Edmonds livable for seniors in fixed incomes and working families. No one should be priced out of their home, especially not those who want to age in place without leaving their community behind.

3. Protecting our environment to keep our parks public, preserve our unique ecosystems, and reduce our carbon output. I’ve seen when communities give up their public lands and don’t take the impacts of climate change seriously, they can lose everything.

By The Herald Editorial Board

… Each of the three candidates would be strong addition to the council and the community, drawing on individual skills, experience and perspective.

Newman, however, offers a mix of experience and viewpoints of particular value, including that of a renter, a distinction he shares with Ademofe. More than just support for affordability, for example, Newman noted the city’s opportunities in using the development of the Perrinville neighborhood as a model for growth that provides a mix of zoning and uses that promote housing and density, a walkable neighborhood and small-community retail businesses that contribute to more affordable living. Likewise, there are opportunities along Highway 99 and transit corridors to facilitate housing and retail development that can build city revenue.

His nonprofit experience, as well, will be of use to the council in working with agencies, officials and other local governments. And, his experience and skills in emergency management and disaster response could be of great utility in the event of a crisis or disaster, an eventuality that all local governments should be preparing for.

The editorial board recommends Newman for the council seat.

by Jenna Peterson

… Newman, 26, is the executive director of American Red Cross Northwest Washington. His priorities are public safety, affordability and environmental protection. The threats to sell public parks and the financial crisis inspired Newman to run for City Council.

“Basically, business as usual is leading us down a really dangerous path financially,” he said.

Newman said he supports the $14.5 million levy, but wants to look into more revenue streams.

“It’s going to be an important step in the right direction, but also, we shouldn’t be relying on raising property taxes to be the end all, be all,” he said.

By Brian Soergel

… Edmonds Beacon: Based on what you know about city government, why is Edmonds experiencing a financial crisis? What can the City do to return to fiscal health?

Alex Newman: Edmonds is facing a structural deficit, where expenses for essential services are growing faster than the City’s limited revenue. This is not unique to Edmonds, but our outdated systems and reliance on short-term fixes have made the problem worse. As a nonprofit executive with experience in managing complex budgets and emergency response, I understand the need for financial transparency and long-term planning. We must raise revenues by supporting business hubs in our community and increasing traffic enforcement in school zones.

Watch candidates Alex Newman and Joseph Ademofe have a conversation with the Snohomish County League of Women Voters about their campaign platforms as they run for City Council in Edmonds. Unfortunately, Erika Barnett chose not to attend this discussion despite committing to this date and time.

… Give an elevator pitch of your platform/why you are running for council.

I’m running to fight for public safety, affordability, and our environment. I know that our parks are not for sale. I will bring responsive, transparent leadership to Edmonds. We need fresh energy and real accountability to solve our budget challenges, protect our public spaces, and build a city where everyone feels they belong. With experience in emergency response and nonprofit leadership, I know how to manage complex systems and make a big impact with a small budget. I’m here to listen, collaborate and get things done.

What would be your priorities for city government spending? How would you balance the city’s unmet needs with being good stewards of taxpayer dollars?

We need to prioritize spending on essential services, emergency response, infrastructure, and parks, and make sure every dollar spent reflects community values. That starts with transparency: residents deserve to know how and why decisions are made. We also need to modernize our financial systems so we can plan ahead, not just react. I’ve managed budgets in both crisis and growth settings, and I’ll bring that experience to ensure we’re responsible stewards of public funds.

By Larry Vogel

Alex Newman kicked off his campaign for Edmonds City Council Position 3 Thursday in front of an estimated 50 supporters gathered at Brigid’s Bottleshop in Edmonds’ Salish Crossing. Newman emphasized his background in disaster response and community resilience, his academic background which includes a master’s degree in politics and international studies from the University of Cambridge and a bachelor’s in policy analysis and management from Cornell University. He also pointed to his endorsements from local leaders and organizations including the Snohomish County Democrats, the 21st District Democrats, Edmonds City Councilmembers Susan Paine and Chris Eck, State Rep. and Snohomish County Councilmember Strom Peterson, State Rep. Cindy Ryu, and former Snohomish County Prosecutor and Superior Court Judge Janice Ellis.

By Beacon Staff

Alex Newman has announced his candidacy for Edmonds City Council, Position 3. 

“I’m running because Edmonds deserves forward-thinking leadership that prioritizes safety, education, and our environment,” said Newman, who in a news release described himself as an experienced humanitarian executive and emergency management leader.

“As someone with real-world experience responding to crises, I understand what it takes to build strong systems before they’re needed – and how to bring people together when it matters most.”

… Amid Edmonds’ ongoing financial challenges, Newman calls for responsible, creative solutions. He favors finding new sources of revenue over cutting crucial community services and spaces.

“As a nonprofit executive, I’ve learned how to do a lot with very little – how to stretch every dollar and tap into community power. We can ease burdens in the short term by empowering local fundraising efforts to help preserve beloved institutions like the Frances Anderson Center. By the way, our parks are not for sale.

“Public lands belong to everyone. I’ll fight to protect our parks, marshes, and open spaces and ensure they're funded and maintained in partnership with community volunteers.”

Alex Newman has announced his candidacy for Edmonds City Council Position 3.

“I’m running because Edmonds deserves forward-thinking leadership that prioritizes safety, education and our environment,” said Newman, who describes himself as an experienced humanitarian executive and emergency management leader. “As someone with real-world experience responding to crises, I understand what it takes to build strong systems before they’re needed — and how to bring people together when it matters most,” he said.

… Newman, who serves as the executive director of the American Red Cross of Northwest Washington, said he has a strong background in emergency management, policy analysis and community collaboration. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Policy Analysis and Management from Cornell University (with a minor in Inequality Studies) and a master’s in politics and international studies from the University of Cambridge, where he focused on effective humanitarian interventions.

Newman emphasizes the urgent need for Edmonds to update and strengthen its emergency preparedness plans. “Comprehensive public safety is about equipping first responders and preventing crises before they happen — it’s about coordination, communication, and making sure every community member is ready and supported,” he said.