Elma City Council incumbent David Blackett is vying for his seat against challenger Elroy Papke.
Blackett first was elected in 2009. Papke unsuccessfully ran for mayor in 2015.
Tell the voters about your background, both personal and professional:
Papke: Married, have lived in Elma for 18 years. Prior to that, lived in Hawaii for 24 years. 20 years. 20 years at Navy Seabees (construction), three years as a building inspector for the Seattle School District, 24 years as a Hawaii division of forestry and wildlife as a field operations supervisor overseeing road work, building maintenance, mechanical shop and wildland fire fighting crews.
Blackett: Above everything I am a dad. I am blessed with two great teenage kids and strive to create as many opportunities for them as possible. They do well in school, enjoy sports and have great friends. I am a dentist who lives and works in Elma. I am the owner of Elma Dental Center and have six employees. I graduated from Brigham Young University and Marquette University School of Dentistry and served a two-year mission for my church in Italy. I am an Eagle Scout and am currently the troop committee chair for a troop in Elma. I was first elected to the Elma City Council in 2009 and re-elected in 2013. I have served as the mayor pro tem for most of my time on council.
What are your thoughts on the economic/business developments happening in Elma?
Papke: The development that is going on now is good for the citizens of Elma.
Blackett: I am proud of not only surviving the Great Recession but watching Elma thrive. I was a strong proponent of the hospital coming to Elma and supported annexation to help our city grow. I feel that supporting local businesses is vital to a thriving community. I have been a strong supporter of the Chamber of Commerce and want to see the success we have seen continue.
What in your opinion are the biggest issues facing the city? How would you address those issues?
Papke: The biggest issues facing the city are road maintenance and yard cleanup, including old junk cars in yards.
Blackett: Finances have been the biggest issue for decades. I feel that there is a balance that needs to be kept with what we pay as taxpayers and what we receive for those dollars in return. I work and live here so I want to know the money I am paying in taxes is being used wisely while having a safe and beautiful community to live in. I will continue to advocate for the police department and better streets. I will also keep in mind that we live in a community that values hard work and strive to get the best “bang for our buck” when it comes to our tax dollars.
What is your vision for Elma?
Papke: Nice roads, nice yards and a beautiful place to live.
Blackett: My vision for Elma has always been to help maintain a city that my children will want to stay and raise their children. I feel that we as a council have done an excellent job of this and would appreciate the opportunity to continue helping Elma grow and prosper not just for the next four years but for generations to come.
