SMOKEY POINT — The candidates for Arlington City Council positions 3, 4 and 5 made their cases to voters at the Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce’s candidates forum Oct. 13.

Position 4:

First-term incumbent Randy Tendering, 63, was shocked when he stepped into office and learned the city only had $77 in the bank, and he expressed pride that Arlington ended last year with $925,000. He also thanked voters for approving a Transportation Benefit District that has used a sales tax increase to improve the city’s roads.

Although he originally hails from Illinois, Tendering has lived longer in Arlington than anywhere else, and five of his eight grandchildren live in town too.

Sue Weiss, Tendering’s 56-year-old challenger, has 25 years experience as a financial accounts manager and is serving on the advisory committee of the Arlington Community Resource Center. She was inspired to run because she wants to raise her daughter in a safe environment.

“This community is encouraging,” Weiss said. “I want the city to be all it can be. I’m willing to speak up and ask tough questions, and I’m retired, so I have time to do research.”

Although Tendering still works, he cited his job as a school bus driver for special need students as something that allows him to make connections in the community, just as Weiss does through the host of local community organizations to which she belongs.

Position 5:

Marilyn Oertle, 68, is not only the incumbent, but has also served 16 years on the council. Her opponent, Natalie Reed, did not attend the forum.

Oertle echoed Tendering’s praise for the TBD and is excited about the prospect of bringing new manufacturing businesses to the city. She believes her experience qualifies her for this task, since she’s “well-connected to the community” and works well with her fellow council members.

“I believe in having a collaborative vision,” Oertle said. “We have to work together to get through our problems.”

When asked what sets her apart from her opponent, Oertle said, “I’m present, and I’m engaged.”

An Arlington resident since 1974, Oertle described herself as very supportive of growth, although she wants to make sure the city’s utility rates and EMS keep pace with that growth.

Position 6:

Jacob Kukuk, 26, and Mike Hopson, 67, are challenging appointed incumbent Austin DeFreece III, 43, who stepped in to fill Dick Butner’s seat after his death, but failed to file his paperwork in time to appear on the ballot. As such, while Kukuk and Hopson are listed on the ballot, DeFreece is running as a write-in.

Kukuk introduced himself as a single father and 10-year volunteer at the Arlington Fly-In, who sees Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) school curricula as essential to fostering the growth of industry in the city. While Arlington has no shortage of families, he sees himself as representative of many younger parents and hopes to lend his perspective to the council.

“As both the mom and the dad to my little girl, I understand what it’s like to struggle,” Kukuk said.

Hopson brings 40 years of experience in education, and spoke of his vision of Arlington as a small but thriving city. He believes in holding the line on taxes, supports a manufacturing and industrial center in south Arlington and north Marysville, and suggested federal grants to help revitalize downtown. Hopson also advocates for more mixed land use and affordable housing to turn the city into “an economic powerhouse.”

DeFreece is a three-year resident of Arlington who loves taking an active role in government, and touted both his experience in shaping budgets and his work with the Federal Aviation Administration as a corporate attorney.

“I hope to add a different vision on the council,” DeFreece said. “I want to harness the business and recreational potential of resource like Centennial Trail, that add value to our quality of life.”

Kukuk agreed that Arlington’s trails can be an excellent source of revenue, for all ages.

Indeed, most of the candidates shared similar views. Oertle and Kukuk both touted the value of promoting the arts and trail development, while Kukuk and Hopson were simpatico on fiscal responsibility.