In the Nov. 7 general election, voters inside the city limits of Morton will select candidates for mayor and three Morton City Council positions.
For positions 2 and 4, Bob Boyer and Wendy McCully are running unopposed.
For position 1, August’s three-person primary narrowed the race down to Jason Sawyer and Dennis Morningstar. Regardless of who is elected, it will be their first time in public office.
The two candidates were sent identical questionnaires over email, and their responses were lightly edited for length, clarity and consistency.
Look for a separate story on the mayoral race in an upcoming edition of The Chronicle.
Ballots are due in the election by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7, either in the mail or in ballot drop boxes. Those turning in ballots through the mail are encouraged to enter the post office rather than leave their envelopes in drop boxes, because ballots postmarked after election day will not be accepted.
To find the ballot drop box nearest you, visit https://elections.lewiscountywa.gov.
For questions about the election, visit the Lewis County Auditor’s Office at 351 NW North St., Chehalis or call 360-740-1164.
Jason Sawyer
What is your name and how old are you?
My name is Jason Sawyer, but I go by Sawyer. I am 47 years old.
Why are you running for Morton City Council?
As a business and property owner who lives in Morton, I have a big stake in the wellbeing of our town. As a leader, I place a huge priority on listening, and I really enjoy actively connecting with the concerned citizens here in Morton. I've learned from experience that actively listening to people and asking questions that directly relate to their concerns will lead to better outcomes for us as a community.
Morton, whether we want them or not, is witnessing significant change, and it's crucial to involve our citizens and business owners in the conversation through meaningful dialogue so that we can all navigate these changes together.
Do you have previous experience as an elected official?
I haven't had any experience as an elected official.
What other relevant experience do you have in work, life and/or as a volunteer?
I believe my ability to think critically about our city's future is one of my best assets. I'm ready to listen to my fellow board members here in Morton and I look forward to engaging in dialogue with them based on what I've heard from our citizens. Being on a city council is work and I plan to get work done.
What else do you want voters to know about you?
I'd like people to know that I am proud to call Morton my home. I grew up in a small city like Morton and so I understand the challenges small cities face. We want good schools, a strong economy, welcoming main streets, safe and healthy environments for our families and therefore need a city council that is capable of working together to get these goals accomplished.
What do you think sets you apart from your opponent?
I'm actively engaging with the community on Morton-based subject matter. I make it a point to get out into the community and listen to people's concerns. Another quality I feel sets me apart is my ability to have difficult conversations with folks that have an opposing opinion. Personally, I do not subscribe to partisan politics. I believe that your word is your bond. The people of Morton know me by name, just as well as they know my opponent by his name.
Sawyer can be reached at concernedcitizen@lewiscounty.com.
Dennis Morningstar
What is your name and how old are you?
I am Dennis Morningstar, 69.
Why are you running for Morton City Council?
I am running for Morton City Council to help keep our values here in Morton. I want to see Morton continue to prosper and grow, without the influence of larger city’s policies or ways being used here.
Do you have previous experience as an elected official?
This is my first time running for a political office.
What other relevant experience do you have in work, life and/or as a volunteer?
I am retired from the U.S. Navy as an aircraft mechanic. My duties included mechanic on hydraulic and flight control systems, work center supervisor, shift supervisor and quality assurance inspector. After retiring from the Navy, I worked as a Navy contractor in Fallon, Nevada. After moving to Morton in 2019, I volunteered as an auxiliary with the Morton Police Department for three years. I am a lifelong Republican.
What else do you want voters to know about you?
I bring a willingness to help this community.
What do you think sets you apart from your opponent?
I will listen to all questions, comments or suggestions with an open mind. If I don't know an answer, I will find it.
Morningstar can be reached at blindweasel@yahoo.com.
