During the 90-minute event, which was sponsored by Transitions Fidalgo, the candidates answered questions from the audience on a range of topics, including city planning, the environment, taxes and City Council relations.
In an opening statement, incumbent Mayor Dean Maxwell outlined his accomplishments during his 19 years in office. Restaurateur Laurie Gere stressed the future, saying City Hall needs to take a leadership role to address climate change.
City Council member Brian Geer said it will take everyone coming together to move forward on alternative energy. Businessman Mitch Everton said Anacortes needs a strategic plan to provide a vision of our city.
One question, whether the candidates would favor higher taxes to pay for things the city can't afford now, drew similar responses from all four candidates. Geer said that he'd favor a tax hike only as a last resort. Gere said she's rather build a strong retail base. Everton said he agreed and Maxwell said he is against raising the property tax.
Near the end of the forum, one question from an audience member asked the candidates how to get young people involved in the government process. Before the answers, though, there was a quick show-of-hands: how many people were under 25? Only two hands went up.
Dean Maxwell urged older residents to reach out to younger residents just as former Mayor Jim Rice did for Maxwell when Rice asked him to be on the city's Board of Adjustment.
Laurie Gere suggested having meetings to mix political discussions with music and food. She said she thought young people are incredibly concerned about the environment, but unsure how to participate.
Brian Geer said he would open city hall to informal conversations with the heads of departments and bring high school classes to those meetings.
Mitch Everton said he'd like to give young people a stake in the government by putting two young people in advisory, but non-voting roles on the City Council, much like the two high school members of the School Board.
The mail-in primary is August 6.The top two will face off in the November general election.