Onyon won’t seek re-election

After 23 years on city council, Blaine mayor Bonnie Onyon will not be running for re-election. Onyon has served eight years as mayor.

“It’s time to pass the baton to someone else, hopefully someone who shares my passion for this community and the positive direction it is going that I’ve supported for the past 29 years,” Onyon said in a statement to The Northern Light. She served six years on planning commission before council.

Onyon was first appointed to Blaine City Council in 1998 to fulfill the remaining two years of a former councilmember’s term. During Onyon’s time on council, she said the city acquiring the Banner Bank building, developing the former airport property and attracting new downtown businesses have been a few of the high points.

“I think we’ve paved the way for really smart growth and I think we’re seeing the fruits of our labor that Blaine is a really desirable place to live,” she said.

Onyon said she looks forward to spending more time volunteering, traveling and visiting her grandchildren in the area.

People interested in running for the mayor’s position can do so by filing during candidate filing week from May 17 to May 21.

More information on filing can be found by calling the Whatcom County election office at 360/778-5102 or emailing the county office at elections@co.whatcom.wa.us.

This article was updated to clarify that Onyon won't run again for the Ward 1 Position 2 seat on council. Council will appoint one councilmember as mayor.