Montesano City Council incumbent Ian Cope is vying to retain his council seat against challenger Barry Iverson.

Ballots will be mailed by Oct. 20. Polls close on Nov. 7.

Tell the voters about your background, both personal and professional:

Cope: I was appointed to the Montesano City Council in the winter of 2015 and was officially elected in November of that year. I first moved to Montesano in 1999 after graduating from Washington State University. For the next 12 years I worked as a news reporter and news director at KXRO News radio in Aberdeen. In 2011 I was hired onto the communications staff for the Washington State Senate. In 2014 I left Olympia to return to Aberdeen and work as the communications and government relations director for the Grays Harbor PUD where I work today. In 2002 I met and married my wife Julie. We have two wonderful daughters, Izabel and Lara. In addition to working at the PUD and serving on the Montesano City Council, I also work with the Montesano Youth Soccer Club assisting their board with communications.

Iverson: I was born and raised in Montesano, so it was an easy decision to buy a home and start a family here. I am a father to three wonderful children, ages 2, 8 and 15. I work for the state Deptartment of Health as a health educator and communications specialist. My additional role with state government is the co-facilitator of the Health Plan Partnership, a private-public partnership with all the major health plans in Washington to align efforts and resolve health disparities for more positive outcomes. I have also worked part time at the Westport Winery on weekends for the past couple years as a tasting host. I am active in the community as a volunteer youth sports coach, currently coaching girls soccer. This is my second attempt on the ballot for city council — I ran in 2015 and my desire still remains to get involved in local government.

What should the city’s priorities be during budgeting?

Cope: In setting the budget for the coming year, I believe the city should prioritize infrastructure improvements, parks and recreation and economic development. The streets of Montesano are in serious need of regular maintenance and upgrades.

Iverson: Fund essential services first. Second, find a way to fund additional road maintenance and repair.

In your opinion, what are the biggest issues facing the city? How would you address those issues?

Cope: I think the biggest issues facing the city is the challenge of writing a sustainable budget during tough financial times. In the past two years the city has had to make some hard choices to right the ship financially. It hasn’t been easy but I do believe we have turned a corner and are on a solid financial base. We should continue down the same path. People want a small-business-centered approach to our community, and I think approving policies that support that approach and nurture small businesses is the way forward.

Iverson: The biggest issues currently facing the city are lack of transparency and irresponsible spending. Whether it be hiring people at inflated pay scales or pursuing projects that citizens have repeatedly spoken out against, the council needs to improve communication with the public and stop wasting money. The city needs to encourage economic growth by providing a pro-business environment and solid infrastructure with reasonable rates.

How do you think you would get along with the current administration?

Cope: While we may not agree on everything, I think the city council, city staff and Mayor Vini Samuel work well together. I think the public works director, the chief financial officer and city attorney provide solid, professional leadership and that our fire and police chiefs give Montesano a public safety department that is second to none. Mayor Samuel has made some tough choices but I think in the end they have set the city on the right course. Much work remains to be done and I look forward to continuing to work with Montesano’s leaders in my next term.

Iverson: I would treat everyone with respect and expect the same in return. If I disagree with anything I will state my objection and why. I’m more interested in representing my constituents than making friends with other council members.