Sharon Waters cruises to a big victory over challenger Gary Planagan

Longtime resident Sharon Waters was so worried about the council election, she did not want to hear the results until the morning after. She was appointed to the council about a year ago, so this was her first election. 

A friend called her, but Waters told her not to tell her not say anything about the election. Then, she decided to hear about the results of the other council positions. After that, Waters decided to her about her election. She not only won, but with a whopping 72 percent of the vote. 

“I’m very happy. I wanted to continue on the council. It was a scary process to run for something. It was all new to me and it was great experience. I’m just happy that people are confident enough to want to me to continue and be their voice,” Waters said. 

The election process was very interesting for Waters. She did not have a lot of money, so she had to strategize. Even picking out signs was tough. You have to pick colors, design. For Waters, it was  like buying a house. You go through a lot of process and have to make a smart decision, she said. 

Even placing her signs was difficult for her. 

“I got 100 signs not really knowing what to do. I didn’t put any signs anywhere. I made sure my signs went in places where people were voting for me. I got a couple banners and some advertisements. Penny Carpenter had an open house for me,” Waters said. “Marina Haley took 10 signs. That kind of stuff one day at a time, getting yourself out there.”

The election results was a total surprise, she said. Waters felt the election could go either way. Of course, she was hoping it went her way, but she didn’t know. 

Living here in Leavenworth for a long time certainly helped. 

“I know that over the years of living here, I’ve been in a lot of different groups. You have six kids and you’re all over the place, from campfire girls to all the sporting events. Traveling with the parents. Booster Club. Amberleaf Theater. You meet a lot of people,” Waters said. “A lot of people said they were glad I was on the council who had a solid voice and was somebody that would listen. I just think I knew a lot of people and those folks wanted me to be on council.” 

Waters is ready for four more years on the council. She’s been on council for a year. The learning curve has been steep, learning about the new things, but also catching up on the old things. 

“I love learning all the little details and the ways all the committees and boards come together. I’ve gone to the Peshastin Community Council meetings. I’ve been to a couple Chamber Board meetings which have been really eye opening for me,” Waters said. “Just to see what all the groups needed, where they’re headed, how they put things together, how they solve things, to me that is fascinating. It’s like a huge puzzle.”

Waters said she will always be interested in what is going on in around Leavenworth. 

“Being at those meetings is where I get a view of that, get educated. Some things you can’t pay for. I was union president for 10 years with the school district. You can’t buy that knowledge with everything you learn. I’m someone who likes to learn. I have time to learn. It’s pretty much just me,” Waters said. 

She loves the atmosphere of being on council and everything that goes with it. 

“There’s the fabulous volunteers who sit on the commissions and boards. It’s almost like another world. I would encourage people to get involved and get in on the conversations, so they know what is going on, so when the train runs through your yard, you’re not surprised. Find another direction for the train,” 

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthehco.com.