SOAP LAKE – There is one candidate and one write-in candidate for the Soap Lake mayoral race. Incumbent Peter Sharp is the only candidate listed on the ballot. However, Karen Woodhouse is running as a write-in candidate.  

Both candidates were given the questions below and given identical deadlines and word count restrictions for their answers.  

Q: Soap Lake has a unique history and natural features. What specific plans or initiatives do you have to promote sustainable tourism while preserving the town’s character and environment?  

WOODHOUSE: Soap Lake is known for its healing waters, and as the proprietor of Recollections, a local business on Main Avenue, I interact with visitors regularly. Some are those who come annually for a stay, and others who frequent eateries and shops for the day. This has given me an insight into local tourism. I find that many merely have stumbled upon Soap Lake in their travels. These tourists are in awe of Soap Lake’s unique geography, and they are pleasantly surprised by our downtown establishments and friendly residents. Soap Lake does need to improve its self-promotion and I'm in the planning stage with my goal as the Soap Lake Chamber President to work with businesses, The Creative District and the City to produce an artistic video and photo shoot to showcase Soap Lake’s natural beauty and peaceful vibe for use on advertising across the PNW and beyond. 

SHARP: I care deeply about the well-being and revitalization of Soap Lake, a community known for its remarkable mineral waters. As your mayor, my main goal is to promote tourism that respects and enhances our unique heritage. 

By keeping ownership of the Smokiam Campground, we ensure a steady source of income that benefits residents and attracts visitors. I am managing renovations at the campground to offer year-round camping, heated and accessible restrooms, better security and high-speed internet with an online reservation system. These upgrades will help Smokiam Campground attract visitors from all over, who want to enjoy our mineral-rich waters.  

We are also excited to create a passport center, which will generate income and support the city’s growth. This project captures the essence of tourism: visitors come to Soap Lake, stay at Smokiam Campground, enjoy mineral waters, shop local and renew their passports in a friendly setting that feels like home. 

Q: What is the biggest challenge facing Soap Lake and if elected, how do you plan on addressing said issue? 

SHARP: We face a big challenge in rebuilding the trust that has been lost in the past. Our city has not always been managed as well as it should be.  

As I finish my first year in office, here are some actions we have taken:  

... I am proud to say our city’s finances are stronger than ever. We have financial plans that extend to 2063, showing our commitment to growth and fiscal stability. This reflects our city’s vision, the teamwork of my leadership and our skilled finance team. 

City Hall has a strong team, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Every staff member is part of a union, receives benefits and enjoys competitive pay, which supports long-term careers.  

Our police department is almost fully staffed, needing one more officer. This progress comes under our new police chief, who has 26 years of law enforcement experience. 

WOODHOUSE: The biggest challenge for Soap Lake is the non-use of existing structures for businesses and housing. Soap Lake has empty storefronts and many housing units that are unavailable due to owner neglect. While visitors love coming to Soap Lake, they express concerns when they see the unutilized buildings on our Main Avenue.  

Prospective homeowners are seeking smaller homes and inquire about properties that are empty but not for sale. Empty dwellings and retail spaces are an eyesore can also be a possible health or fire hazard. 

Public safety can also be affected due to squatters and vandalism. These buildings are wasted assets. As Mayor, I will ask the City Council to approve hiring a City Planner and a full-time Code Enforcement Officer, to review our municipal code and either enforce our current codes or adopt new ones to remedy the situation. 

Q: As the town grows, how do you plan to improve and maintain essential infrastructure and public services such as roads, water and emergency services? 

WOODHOUSE: Soap Lake needs to have controlled growth that does not outpace our infrastructure capabilities nor alter our small-town feel. Water and sewer are essential to every citizen and business. The city needs to continue to analyze and improve our wells and wastewater treatment plant with the guidance of our Public Works Director and an external engineering firm. 

My goal with first responders, consisting of the Soap Lake Police Department., Grant County Fire District 7 and Grant County Sheriff’s Office, is to have open and consistent communications to ensure public safety. Building a good rapport within these entities is of utmost importance. As Mayor I will encourage citizens and businesses to support them. As a city, we will ensure that fire hydrants are in good working order and marked, proper street signage is used, keep roads clear of debris and urge citizens to have addresses clearly marked. 

SHARP: For the first time in years, the Public Works department is fully staffed.  

By working closely with the Public Works, city staff, police department and code enforcement, we have built a team committed to serving our community. We aim to create a safe environment for families, providing clean water, well-maintained parks and financial practices that help lower utility rates. Our goal is to create a resilient city that generates sustainable revenue.  

I am committed to investing in infrastructure, including updating roads, modernizing utilities and improving public spaces.  

I remain dedicated to improving roads, water and emergency services.  

We are currently upgrading our wastewater treatment plant and seeking grants for a new city well.  

The safety of our community is my top priority. I will work hard with law enforcement to enhance the security of Soap Lake by promoting community policing initiatives, creating an environment where everyone feels safe and valued. 

Q: What are your top three goals if elected as Soap Lake Mayor and how do you plan on accomplishing said goals? 

SHARP: 1. Open the City of Soap Lake Passport Center by the end of 2025, creating a sustainable revenue source. This project is currently in the pipeline and will assist the city in alleviating the burden of high utility taxes and the pressing need for infrastructure upgrades.  

2. Upgrade our public works facilities and water treatment center. We are diligently working on this initiative, pursuing grants to facilitate public works in updating 50-year-old equipment to ensure our city is taken care of from wastewater to public drinking water. 

3. Enhance our parks and recreation offerings. I am proud to be working on the addition of new playground equipment, bolstered by grant funding from the county. With determination and persistent effort, I have secured permission from the Department of Ecology to enhance our beaches with beautiful sand and to improve our playgrounds near the lake. Plus, adding two new family-friendly dog parks. 

WOODHOUSE: 1. Increase affordable housing by working with city council, planning department and code enforcement, allowing more non-conventional homes such as Accessory Dwelling Units, tiny homes, container homes and cottages. 

2. Attract businesses that either will fit within our Soap Lake’s health, nature and art atmosphere or provide services that are not currently available in Soap Lake. I will establish a full-time code enforcement officer position who will work with the city planner and city council to reach these desired goals. 

3. Continue improvement in water and sewer infrastructure with monitoring and testing, along with necessary repair or replacement to ensure public safety. The city will have regular assessments by public works and its outside engineering firm to maintain current operations and plan for the needs of the growing economy through available grants. 

Q: How can residents find out more about your campaign? Do you have any upcoming events?  

WOODHOUSE: Residents can find out more about my campaign by going to my webpage, KarenWoodhouseformayor.com, by email, [email protected] or visiting my business located at 315 Main Ave. East and talk to me in person. There are also plans in the works for a meet and greet and will be posted on my webpage when the date is confirmed. 

SHARP: Above all, I pledge to be an accessible and accountable leader dedicated to promoting transparency and open communication. I will establish regular community meetings to foster dialogue and ensure that the voices of our residents are heard and valued.  

If you would like more information, please contact [email protected]