Mount Vernon council candidates focus on housing, public safety and fiscal restraint at League forum

Two candidates for Mount Vernon City Council told a League of Women Voters forum that their top priorities are expanding affordable housing, shoring up public safety and stewarding a tight city budget. Demi Damon, a nurse and longtime volunteer in Mount Vernon, said she has been studying the city budget and attending council meetings to prepare for office. “I have been regularly attending city council meetings. I've been studying the city budget,” Damon said, adding that she would prioritize affordable housing, public safety and financial responsibility. Stephanie, a community volunteer and organizer who did not give a last name at the forum, said small, locally committed developers and smarter site choices should guide housing growth. “We need to find small developers who really have a stake in Mount Vernon and Mount Vernon success,” Stephanie said, adding that growth should be sustainable, located near transit and attractive for residents and businesses. Both candidates cited housing supply and affordability as the most urgent fiscal issue. Damon noted personal experience with family members who cannot secure housing and warned that the city faces a multi‑million dollar budget gap. “I do see the $6,000,000 deficit coming,” Damon said. Stephanie told the forum she has worked with police, fire and community groups and suggested a city grant writer could help capture outside funding for public safety and other priorities. She also pointed to programs that double SNAP purchasing power at the Mount Vernon Farmers Market as an example of local partnerships that support families. On growth and infrastructure, both candidates signaled support for zoning changes, accessory dwelling units and “missing middle” housing types rather than sprawl. They said public safety services, parks and transportation must be considered as residents and new arrivals increase. The forum was organized by the League of Women Voters of Skagit County and recorded for TV 10 and the Mount Vernon YouTube channel. Candidates met voters after the forum and attendees were reminded of the primary ballot deadline announced at the event.