Yakima's open legislative seat - Edler's out, Ybarra might run

By PAT MUIR
YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC

YAKIMA -- Yakima Mayor Dave Edler said today he will not be a candidate for state House this year, but Yakima school board President Vickie Ybarra said she may launch her own campaign.

Edler, a Republican, said last week he was considering a run for the 14th District House position that will be left vacant when longtime lawmaker Mary Skinner retires. Neither Republicans nor Democrats have identified a firm candidate since Skinner, R-Yakima, surprised them by reversing her prior plans to run for re-election in November.

Ybarra, who has been a school board member since 2002 and the board’s president since 2005, said she would run as a Democrat if she decides to run. It will depend on whether she feels she can balance the demands of a campaign with the needs of her family and job, she said. Ybarra is director of planning and development for the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic.

Edler, senior pastor of Yakima Foursquare Church, said he does not want to take time away from home right now. He has children in college and is planning to expand the Foursquare Church to a new location. He also said he has unfinished business as mayor.

The candidate filing deadline for the Aug. 19 primary is June 6.

The only other person to date who has said he is considering a run for the open legislative seat is Yakima attorney Rod Nelson, a Democrat.

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