The Lynnwood City Council has selected its top three choices to fill Stephanie Wright’s former seat. They are Ed dos Remedios, who served on the Council in 2006 – 2007 and worked in finance; Brad Scott, the owner of a general contracting business; and Bob Young, a Lynnwood police reserve officer and owner of an aviation instruments business. The Council is expected to vote on its choice tonight.

Each candidate has their own ideas for solving the city’s projected $21 million budget deficit.

Ed dos Remedios said he would work with department heads to determine the optimal level of staffing and make necessary adjustments, work with employee unions to renegotiate contracts, and judiciously recommend new or higher taxes and fees.

Brad Scott would cut the budgets in non-vital departments, propose wage and benefits reductions rather than layoffs, put on hold unnecessary projects and increases in expenditures, raise revenues in a way to does not overburden residents and businesses, and consider combining services with bordering cites.

Bob Young said he would begin a formal investigation to identify what caused the deficit and plan corrective action, and generate revenue by selling surplus or abandoned property, outsourcing maintenance and service functions, and review and award contracts to get the best value.