NEW — 11 a.m. May 11, 2015
File
Newcastle Mayor Steve Buri (right), seen here giving David Harris the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce’s Mayor’s Award at the 2014 Diamond Awards, announced he will not seek re-election.
Newcastle Mayor Steve Buri announced today that he will not seek re-election.
“After careful consideration with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election to the Newcastle City Council,” he said in a statement. “As our kids have grown, so too have the demands on our family schedule.
“Though I am disappointed that I will not have a voice in some of the major issues facing the city in the years ahead, I am encouraged by the quality of candidates who have expressed an intention to run. Regardless of the outcome of the election this fall, our residents will be well represented.”
Buri was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. He served as deputy mayor for a term starting in 2008, and has served as mayor since the beginning of 2014.
The mayor’s announcement means there will be at least two new faces on the Newcastle City Council in 2016. City Councilwoman Lisa Jensen announced last month that she will not file for re-election.
“I will always be grateful to the citizens of Newcastle for their support over two terms, to my fellow councilmembers who afforded me the opportunity to serve as Mayor, and to my family that has supported me through eight busy years,” Buri said. “I will remain involved in the community and I look forward to seeing friends and neighbors at Concerts in the Park, Newcastle Days and the many other gatherings that make Newcastle so special.”
Councilman Gordon Bisset, Councilwoman Carol Simpson, Jensen and Buri will all see their terms expire at the end of the year. Bisset and Simpson said they will file for re-election.
As of press time, three Newcastle residents have declared their intentions to file for a seat on the council. Community Activities commissioners Linda Newing and Victoria Sandoval, as well as Planning Commissioner Allen Dauterman will each run for a council spot.
Newcastle City Council members receive a $500-a-month salary for their services. The mayor, however, earns $600 per month.
Prospective candidates can file in-person at the King County Elections Office in Renton or online beginning today until May 15. The deadline to withdraw is May 18.
Learn more about filing for the upcoming election at www.kingcounty.gov/elections.