Skagit County

City Councilmember Ryan Walters is running for mayor of Anacortes. Walters has been on the city council since 2012, and served as the mayor pro tem from 2016 to 2017. Outside of his work on the council, Walters is the planning and community development director for the Samish Nation and works with the Skagit Land Trust.

Walters' platform includes affordable housing, high-quality public services and infrastructure, and making Anacortes an inclusive town for all that maintains its unique charm. During his time on the council, Walters helped to develop the Anacortes municipal fiber network, which is now under construction. He also started the council’s first committee on housing and community services. Despite serving a city with two large oil refineries, Walters understands the importance of environmental protections for the natural ecosystem and Anacortes residents alike. If elected mayor, Walters will use his experience in office to implement a community-focused agenda.

Challenging Walters is Tammy Guffey, an Anacortes resident who is involved with the Island View PTA, Meals on Wheels, and a suicide prevention nonprofit. Guffey moved to Anacortes in 2019, but she has been heavily involved in community volunteering roles in many cities where she has lived. In this race, Guffey has a vague platform that is mostly based on her enthusiasm for Anacortes and her interest in bringing people together. Unfortunately, she lacks experience for the role of mayor.

Also in this race is current Councilmember Matt Miller. Miller is in his second term on the council and served as the mayor pro tem from 2018 to 2020. He is a veteran and business owner whose community service includes the Citizens Police Academy, a city program that allows citizens to train and roleplay as police officers. He is running on a more conservative platform.

Walters is the best choice for Mayor of Anacortes.