Former mayoral candidate Susan Conniry has become the first person to announce her candidacy to run for the Ocean Shores City Council next year.

While the election is not until Nov. 7, 2017, Conniry said she wanted to be the first person to formally file for the office, even though she has yet to specify which position she would run for. Four of the seven seats are up for election next year, including those currently held by Jackie Farra (Position 5), Gordon Broadbent (Position 7), John Lynn (Position 1) and Lisa Griebel, who was appointed to the vacated Dan Overton Position 3 earlier in the year. Conniry also applied for the vacated position that was voted on by the City Council.

Before losing to current Mayor Crystal Dingler, who won reelection with more than 61 percent of the vote, Conniry had orginally filed to run for City Council, only to switch to become Dingler’s lone challenger.

Conniry, currently a Planning Commission member, as a citizen has been an organizer and promoter of citizen town halls. She made the following statement in announcing her platform and her reason for running:

“I want to put the interests of the people first and thereby bring back the voice of Ocean Shores’ citizens to city government. The city council must be good stewards of the public’s money, be creative in seeking alternative sources of revenue as well as skillfully controlling costs. With careful planning we can live within our means. I appreciate the service of our current council members, but I see a need for change. To shift priorities to the needs of all, not to a select few. Public office holders must not forget who elected them and should seek the input of all citizens on matters affecting their city.”

Conniry, an advocate for more public comment time at City Council and other civic meetings also said: “If entrusted to serve, you will have elected a community leader as well as a political leader. One who will work with you to ensure that your questions, concerns and suggestions will be heard and be a part of the decision making process. The Voice of the People is the most important part of city government. Please help me bring it back to Ocean Shores.”

Conniry lives on Duck Lake Drive and has often been in attendance at City Council meetings since she and her husband moved to the area from Southern California. She can be reached at susanforcouncil2017@gmail.com.