Deer Park City Council candidacy requires contenders to live within the city for more than one year before the election. Billy Costello moved to Deer Park in May of 2021, he has owned a business in the community since 2018.
On his Facebook page, Costello credited an article by the Deer Park Gazette as the basis for his decision to run. He filed as a candidate for city council via the Spokane County website. His declaration of candidacy was approved by Spokane County and Washington State election officials.
With ballots set to be mailed out on October 18th, it is too late for county and state officials to remove Costello from the election. Costello said on Facebook, “The fact here is that there is still a gray area and I needed to let the people of Deer Park know. I never meant do break (sic) any rules and am still not sure if I have.” He states on his Facebook that he is seeking the opinion of his attorney before making assumptions.
Primary Results
Costello had 25.31% of the vote during the primary, which edged out incumbent Mary Babb with 21.88%. Jason Upchurch had the highest vote total with 43.59%. Henry Lever, who has now endorsed Jason Upchurch, had 8.96% of the vote. Had Costello not filled as a candidate Mary Babb might have been facing Jason Upchurch in this upcoming general election.
General Election Key Dates
October 18th – Ballots Mailed
October 25th – Mail-In Registration Deadline
November 2nd – General Election
Sources:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=35A.12.030
https://www.facebook.com/CandidateCostello/posts/154494853520543
https://www.facebook.com/voteforjasonupchurch/posts/156520016637612
https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20210803/spokane/
