When Aberdeen Ward 4, Position 7 City Council member Margo Shortt decided not to run for reelection, four candidates filed to compete for the vacancy.
The Daily World reached out with some questions for each candidate to let voters get a chance to know them ahead of the Aug. 3 primary election, which will whittle the candidates to the top two. The following are their responses in the order received.
Marissa Aube
Biography
I was raised in Hoquiam but have been living in Aberdeen for most of my adult life. I’ve waitressed for our town’s best restaurants, kept our city’s residents looking good working as a hair stylist, and I currently help keep us all well fed as a founding member of the Aberdeen Sunday Market.
Why did you decide to run this year?
Because our community has an uncommon amount of potential to do better for its residents.
What is the number one issue facing Aberdeen in the immediate future, and how would you tackle that issue?
How low our median household income has stayed compared to other similarly populated parts of the state. I think a good way to start turning that around would be to implement economic incentives that are tailored in a way that allows locally owned businesses to thrive in our increasingly corporate commercial areas.
Homelessness
The issues being faced at the TASL homeless shelter are not unique to our town. I would suggest that we look to and learn from other communities that have successfully reduced the negative impacts of the homeless and adapt those models to our current situation.
Rebecca Sanchez
Biography
I have lived in Grays Harbor most of my life. My husband is an Army veteran, and we have lived all over the country for the last decade. We were fortunate enough to finally settle in Aberdeen last year. It is so nice to be back in this wonderful, loving community of people. You don’t find this brand of kindness in other parts of our country. I attended high school in Montesano, and graduated in 2002. I then went on to attend Grays Harbor College. I have worked in a large variety of occupations, from lifeguard here at our own YMCA, as well as fast food, assistant manager for AutoZone in Kansas, and guest services manager at River Bend Pet Center.
Why did you decide to run this year?
I care deeply about this community. I feel that I can offer a unique perspective that can enhance understanding, and empathy for our fellow citizens. As a mother of three, I feel like setting the example of kindness for my fellow man is paramount to raising upstanding citizens for the future of this city.
What is the number one issue facing Aberdeen in the immediate future, and how would you tackle that issue?
With the housing market booming, it is becoming more urgent for us to improve our infrastructure. We need to expand access to broadband, and offer equal opportunities to everyone. This last year of school being mostly online really showed how badly the system needs to be upgraded. It could enhance economic opportunities for Aberdeen, and help our city grow and prosper. We can apply for grants, and attract technology-based businesses to help make this a possibility.
Homelessness
The (TASL) shelter was completely insufficient, and was not a long-term solution to this problem. We need drug rehab programs, counseling, financial classes, and a place for homeless people to be safe and clean while they get back on their feet. Government grants, philanthropic groups, etc., can help with this problem. It will require funding and hard work, but I know we can solve it together.
Antara Croft
Biography
I’ve made Aberdeen home for the last seven years after attending the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Spokane Falls Community College. A position at Grays Harbor Health and Rehab drew me to Aberdeen where I found the small town, rich history and affordability very appealing. I currently work at Assured Home Health assisting seniors with physical therapy rehab. Prior to Aberdeen, I lived in Hamilton, Montana and Sacramento, California, where I owned an athletic clothing store, worked in banking and real estate finance, and was an information systems analyst. I am a 1989 graduate from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Communications.
Why did you decide to run this year?
I am determined to see Aberdeen thrive again after hearing stories about the booming town Aberdeen once was. I believe that “We The People” can bring it back into prosperity as a safe, beautiful and flourishing town to shop, entertain, raise families and retire. We can no longer accept crime, drugs, and homelessness as the new norm. “We The People” must demand what we want for our own community. This is not the time to just roll over and accept the government’s vision of our country or community. The time has come for us to take the reins and create our own future.
What is the number one issue facing Aberdeen in the immediate future, and how would you tackle that issue?
Homelessness. By knocking on doors, I have spoken with residents of the Ward 4 community who are fed up! It seems a multitude of government-backed social services programs are attracting the homeless to Aberdeen as a one-way ticket for the most benefits! Throwing more money at the situation is not a solution as evidenced by Tacoma’s disclosure in spending $1 billion of taxpayer money on the homeless in 2020, which equaled $100,000 for each homeless person! Most residents don’t even make half that amount per year and yet we are spending this much on a single person? We need a program that creates a contract with each individual where they have a vested interest to achieve a positive outcome and regain some pride by working for what they receive.
Homelessness
I believe in helping those who help themselves and getting large grants for the homeless seems to be a bureaucratic addiction. The government doesn’t know what Aberdeen needs or has to deal with living in this unsafe environment, “We The People” do! As federal grants get larger, the city’s costs rise, as well as the number of people it serves. This type of growth is not a positive one. Aberdeen should implement best practices, such as Marysville’s successful program of treatment first and a dry shelter to eliminate the homeless and rampant drug problems contributing to homelessness. Common sense policies and law enforcement can create an environment that attracts new businesses to the city that will bring in much needed capital as we move toward restoring our prosperity.
Tara Mareth
Biography
I have lived in Aberdeen for 12 years. I studied communications and psychology at Brigham Young University Idaho. Currently, I am raising six children and work part time with our family business and teaching music lessons.
Why did you decide to run this year?
I ran for city council two years ago for position 8 in ward 4. Position 7 became available, but no decision had been made about returning children to school at the time the letter of intent was due to fill the seat. Had our children gone back to school, I would have been delighted to fill the seat at that time. I am excited for the opportunity that came around sooner than I thought it would to run for the seat again!
What is the number one issue facing Aberdeen in the immediate future, and how would you tackle that issue?
(Recently) the TASL was closed. (There were) 15 people still occupying the city hall parking lot. Those who want help, need to get to the services to find it. For those who don’t want to follow the rule of law and have nowhere to go, we need to come up with a feasible solution. As a council member, I would work to help those that want help, and encourage those who don’t currently to pursue something that will be good for their lives. Work, education, volunteer efforts, etc. There are opportunities all around us for growth! Sometimes people need a hand up, and sometimes they need consequences for their choices. All citizens should have to abide by the same laws, and the consequences for breaking them need to be just and fair. Whether they are homeless or not, it doesn’t matter. We need to handle this quickly and with compassion, but also with a firm resolve to get things cleaned up.
Homelessness
It was a temporary solution, never meant to be permanent. The current national and global crisis prolonged it and at great cost to the citizens of our city. Thousands of dollars have been spent and the people are not happy about it. The business of housing and development resides with the county and should remain that way. The city needs to focus on fixing the heart of Aberdeen and work with property owners to clean up the derelict buildings that give everyone who passes through a bad taste in their mouths for what Aberdeen really is.
