Incumbent Clarence Moriwaki is going head-to-head against newcomer Peter Raffa for Bainbridge Island City Council’s District 5 seat in the upcoming Nov. 4 general election.

The position is a four-year term, starting Jan. 1, 2026.

Moriwaki has served on the BI Council since 2021. Previously, he served as former president of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association and the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Washington and formerly served as a councilmember for the city of Tukwila. Moriwaki was also a spokesperson for the Clinton Administration and Washington State Senate Democrats, among others.

Raffa currently works as chief development officer for Northwest Center, and previously worked as the development director for the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. He has also volunteered for the Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wheely College in West Virginia. The Review reached out to Helpline House and Housing Resources Bainbridge and couldn’t confirm the work Raffa may have completed, as it predates the tenure of both executive directors. The Boys and Girls Club confirmed Raffa worked as a chief development officer between June 2012 and November 2013. When asked for comment, Raffa said his early consulting work was done for free, and that his LinkedIn account isn’t up to date.

Both candidates were asked two questions to respond to.

What would be your top priorities if elected?

Moriwaki: My top priorities include building a community where every resident feels safe and welcome with a true sense of belonging. Our city is blessed with a remarkable natural environment—85% of our land is undeveloped, creating a level of carbon capture that is the envy of other cities in our county and state. I believe our role is to protect and enhance this heritage while supporting thoughtful, sustainable policies and practices.

Projects like Head of the Bay, which reopened Cooper Creek and its estuary after a century of closure, are excellent examples of how we can restore and improve our environment. Protecting our environment requires careful, responsible growth while meeting all state requirements under the Growth Management Act. We must continue investing in reliable infrastructure—safe roads and resilient, reliable utilities. Recent accomplishments include our largest public works project, a high-capacity water tank ensuring reliable service and improved fire suppression, and the Madison Avenue project, which added safe bike lanes and pedestrian walkways for families, enhancing safety and Connectivity.

Our seniors deserve respect, care, and services and I fully support the new Bainbridge Island Senior and Community Center, which will provide essential programs and opportunities for connection to our community. Affordable housing is critical to ensure that the people who work here can also live here, supporting a vibrant, stable community that strengthens our schools, local businesses, families, and seniors alike. I truly believe that we can build a more inclusive, sustainable future – one that honors our history and uplifts every generation.

Raffa: My top priorities as a city councilmember will be transparency, accountability, and reliability—values I believe must guide every public decision. I’m a strong proponent of following proper process to avoid unnecessary legal and financial risks for the city and its taxpayers. I take pride in listening to residents, learning from their experiences, and collaborating to bring people together, even when we disagree.

Bainbridge is full of talented, thoughtful individuals—experts in areas ranging from water and forestry to housing, climate, and education. Tapping into that wealth of knowledge is one of the best parts of this role. I’ve especially enjoyed going on listening tours during this campaign, hearing directly from people about their concerns and hopes for change in city government.

I’m a planner by nature and believe that if you fail to plan, the plan will fail. I like to finish what I start. That’s why my top priority will be to have us complete key planning documents that are currently overdue, including the Comprehensive Plan, Water Management Plan, and Subarea Plans. These are critical for guiding our decisions on housing, growth, water resources, and infrastructure. Delays in these plans ripple across everything from affordable housing to wastewater treatment. I also proudly support many of the nonprofits that make Bainbridge Island a better place, including HRB, BIMA, Islandwood, the Land Trust, Bloedel, BI History Museum, Helpline House, BPA, and BARN.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent?

Moriwaki: Nearly 30 years ago, I made the best decision of my life: moving to Bainbridge Island, drawn by its natural beauty, excellent schools, and welcoming community. Since then, it has been my greatest privilege to serve and give back to this remarkable place we all call home. I am honored to serve on your city council. Together, we have made meaningful progress, including opening the long-overdue Ted Spearman Justice Center and advancing the island’s first major affordable workforce housing project.

With decades of community service, I was honored to be named Bainbridge Island’s Citizen of the Year in 2017. That recognition reflects the privilege I have had to meet and serve alongside so many wonderful people I deeply respect and love. Over the past two years serving on Kitsap Transit, I helped bring the first free Sunday bus service to Bainbridge Island, and with Kitsap 911, I’ve worked to enhance new, reliable digital communications for effective first responder service. Through all of this work, I have brought common sense, thoughtfulness, and integrity to every decision and effort.

I will continue to serve with compassion and commitment. I am dedicated to public safety, equity, and fiscal responsibility, protecting our environment and supporting community organizations and programs that keep Bainbridge Island safe, welcoming, and vibrant. With your support, I will continue building a community where everyone feels at home, valued, and heard—a place where our shared future reflects the best of this special island we call home.

Raffa: I’m not a career politician. This is my first campaign for public office, and I’m running because I care deeply about our community and believe it’s time to give back in a meaningful way. I’ve spent the past 40 years working in leadership roles with well-run nonprofit organizations, many of which faced complex challenges and required tough, balanced decision-making. I bring that same experience in collaboration, accountability, and results to city council.

I’ve lived on Bainbridge since 1994 and have a long history of civic involvement here. I know this community well—and more importantly, I listen. I want to represent all residents, not just those with the loudest voices. A current example is the 625 Winslow project. While my opponent was initially not in favor, he has since become one of its most vocal supporters, including backing LIHI, the Low-Income Housing Institute managing the project. My approach to such projects would be guided by thorough planning, research, strong community engagement, and long-term impacts—not politics or pressure. Voters should choose me because I’ll bring a fresh perspective, steady leadership, and a deep commitment to process, transparency, and the public good. I would be honored to have your vote! Thank you.