Bob Scales will run against Debbie Vancil for city council

Former council member Bob Scales has announced he will run for Bainbridge City Council in the island's North Ward.

His announcement came hours before incumbent Debbie Vancil decided she will seek a third term as council member.

"I am planning to run and I will be filing today," Vancil said.

She is expected to release a statement about her decision tomorrow.

Scales filed late yesterday afternoon for the position currently held by Vancil.

"I would like the opportunity to serve the people of Bainbridge Island for another four years and help bring about meaningful and lasting improvements to our city government," Scales said in a released statement.

Scales served as a north-ward council member from 2004 through 2007. He works as a senior policy analyst at the City of Seattle and has been a resident of Bainbridge Island since 1999.

Scales was prepared to run for mayor if a May 19 vote to change the city's form of government failed.

With the new council-manager system now in place, Scales believes his previous council experience will be beneficial to a city in transition.

"A council-manager form of government offers many opportunities for council members to improve city government," Scales said. "In 2010 the city will be starting with a clean slate. The community will expect to see strong and decisive actions taken by the new city council. I would like to be part of that change.""

Check back for more on candidate filing information

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