LAKE STEVENS—At its Tuesday, May 12, Business Meeting, out of 10 candidates, the Lake Stevens City Council selected four residents to advance to the interview process.
The four candidates selected to interview 6 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to fill the mayor vacancy are:
- Former Councilman Kurt Hilt, 4-1 votes
- Councilman Brian McManus, 4-1 votes
- Former Councilman Gary Petershagen, 4-1 votes
- Retired Everett Deputy Police Chief Jeraud Irving, 4-1 votes
The remaining Lake Stevens mayor vacancy candidates not selected to interview were:
- Jessica Bilkovich, 3-2 votes
- Joseph Jensen, 2-3 votes
- Michael Liberato, 2-3 votes
- Vildan Kirby, 2-3 votes
- Eric Fetters-Walp, 1-4 votes
- Micahel Linscomb (auditable issues for last name), 1-4 votes
Councilmembers mapped out a process at its April 7 meeting to fill the mayor vacancy of Mayor Brett Gailey after his resignation, effective April 13, deciding to follow state law that opens the job to any qualified resident rather than limiting it to just current council members.
The council has a full 90 days, starting April 13, to fill the vacancy. If no person is selected after 90 days, the authority to appoint a mayor rest with the Snohomish County Council.
Author: Mario Lotmore
