The campaign for this November’s election began early in Oak Harbor.

Rick Almberg, a seven-year member of the planning commission, threw his hat in the ring this week. He plans to run for Oak Harbor City Council position three, which is currently held by Councilman Larry Eaton.

Besides Eaton, terms expire in 2007 for Councilman Paul Brewer, Councilwoman Sue Karahalios and Mayor Patty Cohen. The filing period for elected offices is early this year because of a law change. It’s June 4 to 8.

So far, Karahalios said she definitely plans to seek reelection. Brewer said he hasn’t ruled out running for reelection, a run for mayor or retiring from city politics after three terms.

Cohen isn’t willing to declare her candidacy quite so early.

“I will say that I’m greatly encouraged by the push and the drive from the community to serve one more term,” she said.

Eaton said he definitely plans to run again. He said he welcomes a challenge from Almberg because he believes in the political process, but he was a little taken back by the timing.

“I’m really surprised that it’s already started,” he said.

Almberg said he didn’t choose to run against Eaton for any particular reason, though he heard a rumor early on that the retired school teacher may not seek reelection. Nevertheless, it should be an interesting contest between the two well-spoken men.

They had very different views of a big controversy last year. A developer proposed, ultimately unsuccessfully, to amend the city’s comprehensive plan in order to allow him to build a large-scale commercial development on the south end of the city.

On the planning commission, Almberg was the most vocal critic of a developer’s request for a comprehensive plan, citing traffic concerns. Councilman Eaton, on the other hand, spoke in favor of the measure because he wanted to give residents a reason not to travel off island to spend their money.

As a candidate, Almberg’s big issue is traffic congestion, which is a problem he hopes to help solve. As the president of a construction management firm, he understands the complexities of planning for growth. On the planning commission, Almberg is never afraid to challenge city staff or applicants.

“Right now, development is getting ahead of traffic planning,” he said. “Traffic needs to be a high priority.”

Almberg, 62, has lived on Whidbey for 31 years and raised six children with his wife. He started a successful business in Oak Harbor, RDA & Associates, Inc. Besides the planning commission, Almberg has also been an active advocate for schools. He led the effort for high school modernization as the chairman of Citizens for Better Schools.

“I have a strategic vision for our town,” he wrote in a statement of his candidacy. “By this I mean that we should accept the reality that Oak Harbor is rapidly changing but not relinquish our power to determine our destiny. We are at a special time in our community’s history, where – if we are careful, thoughtful, and take appropriate action – we can leverage outside influences to improve our community, its schools, and our ability to supply basic services at a reasonable cost.”