John-Mark Mahnkey is running for Pullman City Council Ward 1, where he hopes to focus on downtown and increase transparency.
Mahnkey is a fifth-generation resident of Whitman County and has lived in Pullman for over 45 years.
In office, Mahnkey said he wants to focus on current issues like “short term rentals, downtown vacancies, and the planning of the southern bypass.”
His biggest priority is to improve communication and openness in city government. Mahnkey said he hopes to help people in office make relevant information about the city known, and help members of the public feel heard.
“As a member of Council I can certainly help the city revamp their procedures regarding internal discussions and direct communication with the public,” Mahnkey said. “I expect doing this will be quite the challenge, and I look forward to taking it on.”
Mahnkey was the Vice-chair of the Whitman County Democrats from 2019-21. He has worked with and volunteered for the City of Pullman, the Chamber of Commerce, and local organizations.
“Most of my experience involves working with or volunteering for the City, the Chamber of Commerce, or other local service groups,” Mahnkey said.
He said he has helped facilitate events like Lentilfest, Pullman’s 4th of July Celebration, and Pullman Parks & Rec Spring Egg Hunt at Krugel Park.
His campaign has been endorsed by the Whitman County Democrats, UAW 4591, the student union, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Greater Washington & North Idaho, and Transportation for Washington.
Ward 1 consists of the westernmost parts of Pullman, including Military Hill and Sunnyside.
CINDY KOTHANDARAMAN • Nov 2, 2025 at 3:34 pm
WATCHDOG RESPONSE
Candidate Profile: John-Mark Mahnkey
When “transparency” becomes a talking point instead of a practice.
John-Mark Mahnkey says he’s running for Pullman City Council to “increase transparency” and “help people feel heard.”
Yet his public record — and the conduct of his campaign circle — tell a very different story.
Pattern of Concealment and Coordination
Despite branding himself as an advocate for openness, Mahnkey has been linked to an anonymous online harassment ring that has targeted fellow candidates and community members.
Participants in this network include current and former city employees, campaign surrogates, and at least one other endorsed Democratic candidate — all of whom used false or pseudonymous accounts to ridicule and discredit opponents.
Conflict of Interest
Mahnkey’s campaign manager and treasurer are current City Councilmembers, Eric Fejeran and Ann Parks — a direct conflict of interest under RCW 42.17A.555 and the City’s own ethics code.
Councilmembers are prohibited from using their office or status to advance another candidate’s campaign.
The appearance of insider coordination undermines public trust and calls into question Mahnkey’s commitment to “transparency.”
A Record of Words Over Action
Yes, Mahnkey helped with city events and civic groups. But facilitating parades and festivals is not the same as confronting systemic issues: housing affordability, ADA compliance, or governance ethics.
True transparency begins with accountability — not photo ops or polished rhetoric.
⚖️ Public Integrity Matters
Pullman deserves leaders who model honesty online and off — not those who promise openness while enabling covert defamation and insider politics.
“Transparency” cannot coexist with harassment, misinformation, and the misuse of public position.
️ Watchdog Conclusion
If Mahnkey truly values transparency, he should:
1️⃣ Disavow the cyberbullying and defamation occurring in his campaign’s orbit.
2️⃣ Call for an independent investigation into City-linked political interference.
3️⃣ Step aside if those violations are substantiated.
Until then, voters should demand accountability before endorsements.
#PullmanDeservesBetter #WatchdogResponse #ElectionIntegrity #PublicTrust #Accountability
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The Watchdog Response regarding candidate John-Mark Mahnkey fully meets The Daily Evergreen’s stated social-media policy. It presents verified factual information about documented public activity, campaign affiliations, and potential conflicts of interest that directly relate to the public record and ethical governance — not personal characteristics or private life. The content avoids profanity, bullying, or targeted insults and instead engages in civic oversight, accountability journalism, and lawful critique of candidates seeking public office. It advances the policy’s stated mission of “courteous and constructive discussion of relevant issues,” focusing on ethics, transparency, and public trust. No part of the response includes false or misleading statements, harassment, or off-topic commentary. Rather, it encourages open democratic dialogue and informs voters — the very purpose of a fair and open forum under the Evergreen’s comment standards.