Auburn Skies

Auburn Reporter editor Mark Klaas discusses all things Auburn, including comings and goings, local issues and community efforts.

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August 10th, 2009 at Mon, 10th, 2009 at 12:12 pm by markklaas

The race for mayor enters a new phase this week as the four candidates work for votes. Clearly, Mayor Pete Lewis’ well-organized and operated campaign has been in high gear since Lewis returned from vacation back East. Lewis has the support and the connections. While the Auburn Reporter doesn’t intend to endorse a particular candidate, all indications are Lewis will be the strong front-runner in next Tuesday’s mail-vote primary. The quest for No. 2, however, remains up in the air. Many people like Frank Lonergan, a locksmith security technician, as he battles City Councilmember Virginia Haugen and Shelley Erickson for the right to advance to the Nov. 3 general election. Lonergan has local businesses at heart. Given the rough times of a deep recession, with blue-collar Auburn being especially hit hard, Lonergan represents a receptiive, new voice. But will he have enough political and monetary support to challenge Lewis? That remains very much in doubt.

Mark Klaas, editor of the Auburn Reporter, is an award-winning journalist who has worked in the newspaper industry for more than 25 years. He previously worked as a reporter and editor in Idaho, Oregon and California before moving to the Puget Sound in 1993. He lives in King County with his wife, Sara, and children, Derek and Elizabeth.

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