Endorsements

From the start, I’ve been intentional about not seeking endorsements from Snoqualmie City Councilmembers or staff, because maintaining professional, respectful working relationships, free from political pressure, has always been a priority of my leadership. The roles of Mayor and City Council are nonpartisan under Washington law (RCW 29A.52.231), and I take that responsibility seriously. I represent all residents and keep local issues above politics.

By contrast, Mayhew has accepted partisan endorsements, signaling an intent to represent one party’s interests, even though nearly half of Snoqualmie voters are not affiliated with that party. Many of his city council endorsements echoed this partisanship, a troubling shift away from the independent, collaborative leadership our city deserves. This was reflected when three councilmembers wrote a letter to the editor falsely claiming Snoqualmie did not have a Fire Chief. That statement was not only untrue, we have a strong, accredited Fire Department and an experienced Fire Chief, but also harmful. This type of dishonesty and rhetoric, the same approach used by Mayhew throughout his campaign, caused unnecessary disruption for our Fire Chief, city staff, and residents, undermining confidence in a professional team that works tirelessly to keep Snoqualmie safe. 

I am honored to be endorsed by residents, friends, and regional leaders who care deeply about Snoqualmie and our region. These endorsements reflect the strong partnerships I’ve built with mayors and councilmembers across the Snoqualmie Valley and Eastside as we’ve worked alongside on key committees and initiatives to address regional issues that affect us all.

Jim Ribail, Carnation Mayor & Councilmember

Mayor Amy Ockerlander, Duvall

Amy McHenry, Duvall Councilmember

Mayor Mary Lou Pauly, Issaquah

Mayor Sean Kelly, Maple Valley

Victoria Schroff, Maple Valley Councilmember

Mayor Angela Birney, Redmond

Mayor Karen Howe, Sammamish

Mark Mullet, Former Washington Senator, Issaquah Mayoral candidate

Fuzzy Fletcher (Mayor of Snoqualmie - retired) and Rebecca Bastian (resident)

Bob Jeans, Former Snoqualmie City Councilmember

Carol Peterson (50-year volunteer in our city, married to Charles Peterson, former Mayor and Councilmember)

Jennifer & Gary Bragg 

Randy & Janice Clark 

Bill Grassie (local business owner)

Ben & Jen Johnson 

Lee & Robin Pasquarella

Grahame Ross

Scott & Michele Vermeulen

“Mayor Ross has been a strong and thoughtful leader for the City of Snoqualmie, and a collaborative partner in multi-city advocacy for more transportation investments in our area, and more funding from the state. I appreciate the energy and commitment Mayor Ross has demonstrated to ensure that the City of Snoqualmie is a thriving, safe, family friendly community."

Mayor Mary Lou Pauly, City of Issaquah

 “As fellow mayors and colleagues through the Sound Cities Association, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Mayor Katherine Ross on issues that matter across our region, including public safety and housing. Katherine is a collaborative and engaged leader who shows up, listens, and works toward practical solutions that strengthen not only Snoqualmie but the entire Eastside. She understands the importance of partnership between cities and is always willing to roll up her sleeves to get results. It’s been a pleasure working alongside her.”

Mayor Angela Birney, City of Redmond

“I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Mayor Katherine Ross through the Snoqualmie Valley Government Association and the Sound Cities Association. Katherine is a collaborative and engaged regional partner who shows up, listens, and helps find solutions on the issues that matter most to our Valley, public safety, transportation, affordable housing, and infrastructure. She leads with professionalism and respect, always focused on what’s best for our Snoqualmie Valley residents.”

Mayor Amy Ockerlander, City of Duvall

“I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Mayor Katherine Ross on issues that affect both of our communities. Together, we’ve collaborated on housing growth targets to ensure development in the Snoqualmie Valley is realistic, sustainable, and aligned with our shared values. Katherine has been a strong partner in advocating for transportation improvements, including safety enhancements and the SR-203 roundabout that benefits residents across the Valley. She’s a thoughtful, engaged leader who always shows up, listens, and works collaboratively to find solutions. I appreciate her partnership and her dedication to keeping Snoqualmie Valley safe and sustainable.”

Mayor & Councilmember Jim Ribail, City of Carnation

______________________________________________________________________________________

I am truly honored to have the endorsement of Carol Peterson. She wrote a letter which reflects her lifelong commitment to our community and her belief in my steady, honest leadership. This Letter to the Editor was recently published in Living Snoqualmie:  

For more than sixty years, I have been proud to call Snoqualmie home. My husband, Charles Peterson, who served as Mayor and a City Councilmember, and I have worked to make this community stronger and more connected. From helping create our first parks and welcome signs to advocating for the first Snoqualmie Valley Hospital, I’ve always believed that serving others is the heart of community.

That’s why I’m supporting Mayor Katherine Ross. I’ve seen many leaders over the decades, and Katherine stands out for her honesty, compassion, and steady leadership. She listens, builds trust, and gets results. Under her guidance, Snoqualmie remains one of the safest cities in Washington, with local police and fire services that protect our residents. She’s also secured outside funding that saves taxpayers money while improving our parks, roads, and infrastructure.

By contrast, I’ve lost trust in Jim Mayhew, whose divisive approach and lack of transparency don’t reflect the spirit of collaboration our community deserves.

Katherine Ross leads with integrity, transparency, and heart, the same values that have sustained Snoqualmie for generations. She’s earned my trust and my vote, and I hope she’s earned yours, too.

Sincerely,

Carol Peterson
Snoqualmie

__________________________________________________________________________________________

I’m honored to share this thoughtful letter from Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly, who has worked closely with me over the past four years. Mayor Pauly has been a strong regional partner on issues that matter to all our communities, public safety, housing, and transportation. 

Her endorsement, along with those of neighboring mayors across the Snoqualmie Valley and Eastside, reflects the collaborative partnerships we’ve built to keep Snoqualmie moving forward.  This Letter to the Editor was recently published in Living Snoqualmie:  

Hello Snoqualmie Residents, 

My name is Mary Lou Pauly, and I am the Mayor of the City of Issaquah. I have been working with Mayor Ross for four years and am excited to see her running for a second term.

Like Duvall’s Mayor Amy Okerlander, I have seen Katherine step up in challenging times and create relationships and partnerships to address Snoqualmie community needs, as well as larger regional issues that affect all of our communities in King County. As Mayor, Katherine has focused on the Valley’s top issues, such as public safety, transportation, and affordable housing, moving the needle in impactful ways.

As Carnation Mayor Jim Ribail has noted, her collaborative work on housing growth targets has been so beneficial in ensuring development in the Snoqualmie Valley is realistic, sustainable, and aligned with our shared values. 

I have seen Mayor Ross’s work on behalf of the Snoqualmie community and am proud to endorse her candidacy to continue bringing thoughtful, impactful leadership to the Snoqualmie community. 

Mayor Mary Lou Pauly

City of Issaquah