Two came with prepared scripts, two spoke more off the cuff.

Based on reactions and sound bites from last week’s debate, the Auburn City Council races offer distinct personalities, credentials and choices for voters. All of which should make for an interesting kick to the finish line for the Nov. 8 general election, less than three weeks away.

Four candidates squared off in a public debate co-sponsored by the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce and Auburn Reporter at the downtown Auburn Avenue Theater. The debate proved more informational and rhetorical than contentious and emotional.

Two seats are up to join the five others on the City Council. Virginia Haugen, the fiery incumbent, faces a formidable challenge in John Hayes Holman, a retired police officer of more than 30 years of service, for Position 5. Retired air traffic controller Wayne Osborne and locksmith Frank Lonergan are battling for Position 7, a seat held by Lynn Norman, who is not seeking reelection.

Like Norman, Sue Singer is not seeking reelection, opening the way for Largo Wales, former ACAP Child and Family Services director, to fill the unopposed Position 1.

When the new City Council convenes in January, it promises to take on a new personality. Lost will be the experience of Norman, who served two four-year terms, and Singer, the deputy mayor, who is finishing her fourth term in office.

But the new faces provide promise. The unmistakable passion and commitment to serve could be heard in their voices and traced in their expressions.

The consensus-building-conscious Holman, a longterm resident, has devoted a lifetime to public service. The forward-thinking Osborne, has prepared himself for this day, having attended more than 250 council and various subcommittee meetings in the last three years.

“I am ready,” said Osborne, a member of the City’s Planning Commission and the Airport Advisory Board. “I know how the City works.”

Haugen and Lonergan speak from experience of working directly with struggling citizens, families and small businesses.

“I am about accountability and looking out for that guy who does not always have a voice,” said Haugen, a former political activist who says she champions the cause of the underprivileged and less fortunate.

Lonergan, who served in the Navy and on the Snoqualmie City Council, speaks from the toils and triumphs of running his own business. He considers himself a political outsider, but at the same time someone who vows to work hard and closely with the people in solving issues.

Haugen and Lonergan bring fire. They pull no punches. Haugen’s responses to the forum’s questions reflected her gruff, blunt approach. Auburn must “fight,” “stick to our guns” and “stand our ground” in confronting problems.

She remains an antagonist to Mayor Pete Lewis.

“If we have a mayor running roughshod over our City Council … we become losers,” she said.

Lonergan also took his shots. He is dissatisfied with Auburn police, contends the City has done little to lure new business and considers the downtown parking permit system a failure.

In essence, the City should make it more affordable to welcome new businesses, especially in the downtown.

The no-nonsense Lonergan wants progress, from the bottom up.

“I am running for Council because I am not a ‘yes’ man,” Lonergan said. “I know how to run a committee. I don’t need the mayor sitting in my committee, telling me what to do. That is a council committee, not a mayoral committee, and that’s something I am going to work to change.”

Osborne and Holman spun a positive tone. Both longtime residents bring plenty of experience in dealing with diverse groups.

“We have problems, but they are fixable,” said Osborne, who has 30 years of experience in working with the FAA.

Osborne has a plan. Prioritize the budgetary support for human services and public safety, while encouraging economic development to raise the City’s tax base.

Roads need improving, but there are no easy solutions, Osborne said.

Holman also sees the potential for better days, even in tough economic times.

He says he is a good budgeter and a skillful negotiator who looks for common ground.

“I have a skill set of negotiations and working with a diverse group of people, of reaching out across and outside of City Hall, if you will, to bring in links between community, the businesses of Auburn, Green River Community College, the school district and seeking this synergistic energy,” Holman said. “Yes, we are hurting right now, but we’re looking at what’s right for Auburn, what our core competences are and building on these. I am going to focus on the positive, not the negative.”