Ward 6 Candidates Debate Public Safety, Infrastructure and Growth at Forum

Two candidates for Sedro‑Woolley City Council Ward 6 — incumbent Joe Burns and former councilor Carl DeYoung — told voters at a League of Women Voters forum they prioritize public safety, infrastructure and supporting local business as the city grows.

Joe Burns, the incumbent council member, told the forum he has pushed for steady fiscal management and public‑safety staffing. “My top priority, public safety,” Burns said, adding that he supported a levy to add firefighters and has worked to secure a staffed police canine program and staffing for police and fire. Burns said he completed more than 60 hours of training for an advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership and emphasized responsiveness to constituents.

Carl DeYoung, who served on the council from 2018 to 2022, said representation and accessibility are the primary duties of a council member and described priorities that include fully funding public safety and public works, improving trail and park access and supporting balanced growth. DeYoung said he has lobbied in Olympia for state transportation funding tied to a proposed bypass project and stressed partnership with state and regional leaders for infrastructure that affects the city.

Both candidates addressed the city’s financial constraints and offered similar first priorities: maintain public‑safety staffing and invest in infrastructure projects that will ease traffic and support local businesses. Burns emphasized attracting sales‑tax generating businesses to keep revenue local; DeYoung emphasized streamlining permitting and workforce development to create local jobs.

On growth, Burns said the city should pursue multiple corridors and long‑range planning to keep traffic out of the downtown core and to make the city attractive for retail and services. DeYoung also supported a corridor effort and credited local staff and state partners for advancing planning discussions.

The forum was a question‑and‑answer session; there were no formal council actions taken. Each candidate described specific projects and staffing priorities they would support if elected, and both asked voters to consider their track records and community engagement when casting ballots.