Stanette Marie Rose, who declared her candidacy for a Maple Valley City Council seat, has publically stated a local developer attempted to influence the council member she will challenge.

Rose spoke at the City Council meeting Monday during the public comment period. She informed the council, staff and audience a local businessman offered to fund her campaign, but with strings attached.

“This individual said he would withdraw support if I ran against Victoria (Laise) Jonas,” Rose said at the meeting. “I pledge an honorable campaign without sidebar promises.”

During a phone interview Rose said she would not name the person, but she was planning to contact the Public Disclosure Commission concerning the incident.

“I never knew there was pay-to-play politics in Maple Valley,” Rose said. “I absolutely refuse to do that.”

Rose went on to state “at first he said he was going to give me some money, but now I find out he is trying to influence things.”

Rose said the man wanted her to “stay away from Victoria and run against Glenn Smith.” She said neither Jonas nor Smith were aware of the man’s statements.

Jonas said during a phone interview she did not know anything about the incident.

Smith said he was “quite shocked” and was unaware anyone had approached Rose.

Rose said she has not announced who she will run against and was not planning on deciding until June during when she files for the office.