While the city’s attention has been focused on a hotly-contested mayoral race, there’s a competition quietly rolling along for the Position 7 seat on the Enumclaw City Council.

Seeking a seat being vacated by Jeff Coats are Sean Krebs, a familiar face in city circles, and newcomer Cleet Christianson.

Christianson, a resident of the area since childhood, admits he is running a quiet campaign based on a single issue – his dedication to an efficient, high-quality infrastructure.

“I have no other political agenda,” Christianson said, adding that a quality infrastructure – including streets, sewer and water – is the city’s paramount responsibility. “My only concern is support for and oversight of the infrastructure,” he said.

What he sees, he’s not overwhelmed by.

“It’s not real good,” Christianson said, when asked about the current state of city offerings.

“I see a lot of money being wasted on things that could be done better,” he said. For example, he points to roads being resurfaced without proper attention paid to the subsurface; in his opinion, it’s a recipe for recurring problems.

Christianson earned a bachelor of science degree in physics from Western Washington University, spent time working for Boeing and has, for the past dozen years, been employed by the Port of Seattle.

Krebs has a track record in city politics, having previously served a pair of four-year terms. He left the council four years ago, choosing to run against incumbent mayor John Wise, who was completing his first term.

Now, Krebs is anxious to reclaim a council post.

An immediate benefit to the council would be his background as a small-business owner, Krebs said, pointing out that not many on the council can share that perspective. Being in business for himself, he added, allows for an insider’s viewpoint when it comes to economic development of the area.

Krebs also is keenly aware of the potential benefits and possible pitfalls now that annexation is a possibility.

“It’s absolutely critical to make sure annexation is handled properly,” he said, so the long-term impacts remain positive.

Krebs also points to the Enumclaw Expo Center as a resource to take advantage of and notes that his previous years on the King County Fair Board would come in handy if he’s elected.

Despite his four years away from the council, Krebs said, “I’ve definitely kept up with what’s going on” around town.