As the primary election approaches on Tuesday, August 5th, voters in Winlock and Napavine face crucial decisions regarding local leadership, even as many candidates in Lewis County have already secured their spots in the general election. This upcoming primary serves as a vital step in shaping the future of these communities, with the top two finishers in each race advancing to the November 4th general election.
In Winlock, the mayoral race presents a significant choice for residents, featuring incumbent Mayor Brandon Svenson, current City Councilor Jodie Curtis, and Winlock resident Victoria Marincin. A fourth candidate, America Lunsford, suspended her campaign but her name will still appear on the ballot, with her team endorsing Victoria Marincin for the position.
Mayor Brandon Svenson, serving since 2020, emphasizes his deep commitment to Winlock’s success, highlighting significant achievements such as securing over $3.4 million in grants and dramatically increasing the city’s valuation. Svenson’s platform focuses on continued improvements in infrastructure, including roads, sidewalks, and water rights, alongside fostering business growth and maintaining low property tax rates, underscoring his dedication to the community’s progress.
Victoria Marincin, a long-time Winlock resident, enters the race driven by a desire for increased resident input in city decisions. With 16 years of experience as a financial manager for a construction company, Marincin pledges to bring fiscal responsibility and transparency to City Hall, ensuring tax dollars are spent wisely. Jodie Curtis, a current Winlock City Councilor and active community member, advocates for an “open-door policy” as mayor, emphasizing collaboration and compromise among constituents to advance Winlock’s collective interests.
Beyond the mayoral contest, Winlock also sees a competitive race for the School District Director District 2 position, with three non-incumbent candidates vying for the role: Taylor Myers, Stevie Bennett, and Jarryd Forler. Each candidate brings a unique set of experiences and perspectives to the educational landscape of the district.
Taylor Myers, leveraging six years of governmental accounting experience, aims to be a strong advocate for students, teachers, and families, focusing on transparent budgeting and responsible resource allocation to foster a thriving educational environment. Stevie Bennett, with 15 years in customer service and a recent associate’s degree, is passionate about advocating for children and bridging the gap between schools and the community, drawing on her experience as a center aide at Lewis County Head Start.
Jarryd Forler, a lieutenant, firefighter, and EMT with over a decade of service to the Winlock Fire Department, seeks to bring a fresh perspective to the school district’s challenges. As a parent of four children in the district, Forler emphasizes fiscal responsibility and transparency in the use of taxpayer dollars, aiming to be the voice of the community members he hopes to represent on the school board.
In Napavine, the primary election for Lewis County Fire District 5 Commissioner Position 2 has seen a recent development with the passing of candidate Tom Crowson. Despite this, his name will remain on the ballot, and if he finishes in the top two, he would advance to the general election unless a court order dictates otherwise. The remaining active candidates are incumbent Sam Patrick and Rick LeBoeuf.
Sam Patrick, currently serving as the chairman of Fire District 5’s board of commissioners, brings extensive experience from previous roles on the Winlock City Council and as a Thurston County Fire District commissioner. A certified EMT and former 911 dispatch center worker, Patrick is committed to prioritizing the well-being of the public and staff, ensuring critical decisions are guided by providing necessary resources within budgetary constraints for effective emergency response.
