Edmonds Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

Brad Shipley is true to his word.

During a mayoral forum in July in advance of the primary, candidates were asked, "Given that the primary race will not decide the race, who is the second-best candidate in the race?"

Shipley, the former senior City planner attempting his second shot at mayor, said he'd go with Rosen.

On Wednesday, Shipley, in a news release, said Rosen is best choice for the post.

Challenger Rosen is running against incumbent Mayor Mike Nelson.

"I worked with Mike Rosen when he was chair of the Planning Commission. He brings a wealth of experience leading large teams behind a common goal," Shipley said.

"Rosen has a servant leadership style and has the collaborative and communication skills to lead Edmonds at this crucial time.

"As Edmonds takes on an update to its comprehensive plan, a 20-year vision for the city, we need someone like Rosen who will listen to all sides, bring his analytical skills to the table, and lead a diverse community to a solution we all can support."

Shipley resigned his post in May to run for mayor again. He and City Council member Diane Buckshnis lost in the August primary.

Since Shipley's resigned to run for office, the Edmonds City Planning Division has seen two other top staff resign. Both Planning Manager David Levitan and Associate Planner Michelle Szafran resigned recently.

Shipley cites the lack of trust between all branches of City government and the need to return to the basics of municipal operations are why he is endorsing Rosen.

He said other resignations from top posts in the city are expected if Nelson is reelected and organizational issues continue unresolved.

"Staff is stretched thin and has been for some time, "he said. "The number of projects they are undertaking with limited resources is incredible. While many of these projects have merit, leadership needs to understand that the organizational challenges must be addressed first. I know Rosen understands this and am confident in his ability to make the proper changes."

Rosen said he has emphasized open communication and collaborative leadership as key attributes he will bring to city government.

Rosen and Nelson finished in a virtual tie in the August primary, with Nelson at 35.05% of the vote and Rosen at 34.68%.

Buckshnis finished in third place with 21.15%. She has not made an endorsement for the general election.