Dear Blog Editor,

I would like to thank the voters of Des Moines for granting me another four years to represent our great city.

While Des Moines has struggled to overcome a number of adversities over the years, we are poised to build a bright future for all of our residents … one that reflects the values of our community, takes advantage of our ties to Puget Sound and our proximity to regional transportation facilities, and one that ensures a rational, sustainable level of city services for our residents.

I’ve been proud to serve as your City Councilmember for the past four years, and I’m looking forward with enthusiasm and energy to the next four years.

Thank you again!

Cordially,
Dave Kaplan
Des Moines City Councilmember

It was the battle of the incumbents in Des Moines with Councilman Dave Kaplan defeating Councilwoman Susan White in a landslide for City Council Position 7.

As of Thursday (Nov. 5th) afternoon’s release of the latest vote totals by King County Elections, Kaplan held a +19-point lead, with 59.42 percent (2,641 votes) to 40.02 percent (1,779 votes) over White.

“I’m proud and honored to have been granted another term to serve as your City Councilmember on the Des Moines City Council,” Kaplan told The Waterland Blog.

White was attending a conference out of town and could not be reached for comment.

In 2001, Kaplan was defeated after serving one term on the council – the same year that White was elected to the first of her two terms as councilwoman. Kaplan was elected again in 2005, but instead of seeking re-election to his Position 5 seat this year he opted to oppose White.

Matt Pina, with a current lead of 55.21 percent (2,448 votes) to 44.54 percent (1,975 votes) lead over political newcomer Anne Farmer, will succeed his father, Ed Pina, in City Council Position 1.

The senior Pina is retiring from the council. Earlier, Matt Pina also followed his father as a Highline School Board member.

“I’m happy where (the vote) is right now,” Pina said before Thursday’s vote total update. “It’s a good spot to be in.”

In the closest race this year, incumbent Councilwoman Carmen Scott held a 52.30 percent (2,270 votes) to 47.35 percent (2,055 votes) lead over Melissa Musser, another newcomer to Des Moines politics, for Position 5.

“Obviously, the votes are not all in yet, but I am already feeling very confident about the energy and commitment of our new council members and look forward to our developing a unified plan of cohesive solutions to downtown growth and vigor,” Scott said.

“Beyond that, I know we will all be focused on maintaining parks and recreation programs, finding new sources of revenue, containing expenses, encouraging development of the Port business park land, and redevelopment within Pacific Ridge,” she added.

“Thank you for your vote. I will serve you well.”

The third political newcomer this year, Melissa Musser, was unopposed in her bid for Council Position 5, which previously was held by Kaplan.

Mayor Bob Sheckler said of the election outcome, “I couldn’t be more pleased. When this economy turns around, Des Moines will be in a position to act quickly to further economic development. This is the council that will get us there.”

But the biggest news for many residents was not the results of City Council races but the outcome of Proposition 1, which will establish the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District that will keep the Mt. Rainier Pool open for public use.

Proposition 1 was sweeping to victory by a 62.86 percent to 37.14 percent margin. Had it not been approved, it is likely that the popular community swimming pool – used by beginning swimmers, swim teams and seniors – would have been closed due to lack of funding.

Elected as pool district commissioners were Gene Achziger, Eric Kasnick, Bernadette Barrett, Marty Martinson and Nancy Kuehnoel. All ran unopposed.

UPDATE WED. 11/4/ 5pm: The second round of ballot returns has been released by King County Elections, and with between 28-30% of the votes counted, Dow Constantine still leads with 58%, Matt Pina with 55%, Carmen Scott with 53%, Dave Kaplan at 59% and 62% voting “Yes” on Proposition #1 (to save Mt. Rainier Pool).

Also, Initiative 1033 is still failing with 67% voting “No,” and R-71 is still passing with 67% “Yes.”

Here are the updated results culled from the King County Elections website as of 4:19pm Wed., 11/4/09:

KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE:

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 308,650 / 1,079,842 • 28.58%

• Susan Hutchison: 125,607 • 42.26%
• Dow Constantine: 171,006 • 57.53%
• Write-in: 621 • 0.21%

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 308,650 / 1079842 • 28.58%

Initiative Measure No. 1033:

• YES: 92,654 • 33.28%
• NO: 185,721 • 66.72%

Referendum Measure No. 71:

• APPROVED: 202,125 • 66.59%
• REJECTED: 101,403 • 33.41%

CITY OF DES MOINES:

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 4,021 / 15,291 • 26.30%

Council Position No. 1:

• Anne Farmer: 1,588 • 44.43%
• Matt Pina: 1,975 • 55.26%
• Write-in: 11 • 0.31%

Council Position No. 3:

• Melissa Ponder: 1,643 • 46.96%
• Carmen L. Scott: 1,841 • 52.62%
• Write-in: 15 • 0.43%

Council Position No. 5:

• Melissa Musser: 2,848 • 98.48%
• Write-in: 44 • 1.52%

Council Position No. 7:

• Dave Kaplan: 2,133 • 59.46%
• Susan White: 1,430 • 39.87%
• Write-in: 24 • 0.67%

Proposition No. 1:

• YES: 2,309 • 62.30%
• NO: 1,397 • 37.70%

Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District Commissioner Position No. 1 Interim term

• Gene Achziger: 2,603 • 98.30%
• Write-in: 45 • 1.70%

Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District Commissioner Position No. 2 Interim term

• Eric Kasnick: 2,549 • 98.49%
• Write-in: 39 • 1.51%

Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District Commissioner Position No. 3 Interim term

• Bernadette Barrett: 2,552 • 98.46%
• Write-in: 40 • 1.54%

Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District Commissioner Position No. 4 Interim term

• Marty Martinson: 2,543 • 98.53%
• Write-in: 38 • 1.47%

Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District Commissioner Position No. 5 Interim term

• Nancy N. Kuehnoel: 2,298 • 98.33%
• Write-in: 39 • 1.67%

SOUTH KING FIRE AND RESCUE:

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 14,732 / 69,240 •21.28%

Commissioner Position No. 2:

• Mark Freitas: 10,484 • 99.39%
• Write-in:  64 • 0.61%

Commissioner Position No. 3

• John Rickert: 7,521 • 63.98%
• J. Roger Hershey:  4,216  •  35.86%
• Write-in:   19 • 0.16%

KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT NO. 54:

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters:     634     /     2128     29.79%

Commissioner Position No. 3

• Alli Larkin: 431 • 98.85%
• Write-in:  5 • 1.15%

CITY OF BURIEN:

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 5, 006 / 16,617 • 30.13%

Council Position No. 1:

• Sue Blazak: 1,981 • 44.83%
• Jack Block, Jr.: 2,413 • 54.61%
• Write-in: 25 • 0.57%

Council Position No. 3:

• Joan McGilton: 3,214 • 97.01%
• Write-in: 99 • 2.99%

Council Position No. 5:

• Rose Clark: 3,212 • 96.69%
• Write-in: 110 • 3.31%

Council Position No. 7:

• Brian Bennett: 3,363 • 98.22%
• Write-in: 61 • 1.78%

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 5,006 / 16,617 • 30.13%

Transportation Benefit District No. 1 Proposition No. 1:

• YES: 958 • 23.50%
• NO: 3,118 • 76.50%

CITY OF NORMANDY PARK:

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 1,553 / 4,676 • 33.21%

Council Position No. 2:

• Clarke Brant: 1,025 • 97.99%
• Write-in: 21 • 2.01%

Council Position No. 4:

• John L. Rankin: 972 • 96.05%
• Write-in: 40 • 3.95%

Council Position No. 6 short and full term:

• Marion Yoshino: 995 • 98.03%
• Write-in: 20 • 1.97%

Proposition No. 1:

• YES: 680 • 47.16%
• NO: 762 • 52.84%

HIGHLINE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 401:

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 13,664 / 57,961 • 23.57%

Director District No. 2:

• Angelica M. Alvarez: 10,372 • 98.47%
• Write-in: 161 • 1.53%

Director District No. 3:

• Susan Goding: 10319 • 98.53%
• Write-in: 154 • 1.47%

KING COUNTY:

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 254,261 / 1,079,842 • 23.55%

Sheriff:

• Sue Rahr: 220,802 • 97.96%
• Write-in: 4,597 • 2.04%

Assessor unexpired 2-year term

• Graham Albertini: 52,192 • 20.91%
• Gene Lux: 12,175 • 4.88%
• Lloyd Hara: 82,864 • 33.20%
• Bob Rosenberger: 72,525 • 29.06%
• Bob Blanchard: 29,041 • 11.63%
• Write-in: 806 • 0.32%

This is the third in our online Des Moines City Council Candidates Forum series, today featuring the two candidates vying for Position #7: challenger incumbent (in Pos. #5) Dave Kaplan vs incumbent Susan White.

As before, we have made no alterations to their text, so the words used are purely theirs, including any typos or other errors.

Each candidate is identified by their names and headshots, then initials:

1. What is the primary objective you hope to accomplish for Des Moines if you are elected to the council? What qualifies you to lead this effort?

DAVE KAPLAN: The primary objective I hope to accomplish for Des Moines when I’m reelected is to continue the steps we’ve been taking to make our budgets sustainable into the future, to focus on bringing in new revenues to the city by expanding our business base through necessary revisions in our City Code and making infrastructure improvements, and for maintaining those services that make Des Moines a great place to live.

I’m qualified to lead this effort because I’ve already been helping to take the lead on these issues as an incumbent Des Moines City Councilmember.  We have made a lot of progress, and I don’t want to see that progress halted because of those who oppose change.

SUSAN WHITE: Positive economic development for downtown, finish the historical rehabilitation of our historical Beach Park District, continue to make Des Moines a business friendly environment to attract new business, jobs and affordable housing.

I have eight years of experience on the Des Moines City Council and have produced positive results for the city in spite of difficult economic times.  I brought $220,000 through my efforts in Washington DC with our representatives to commence our Historic District in Beach Park.  Then was able to raise $2M more as well.  The auditorium will be open next year.

2. Des Moines tax revenue is down sharply, as reflected in the budget-cutting process for 2010. What will you do to increase revenue for the city without negatively impacting city residents and businesses?

DK: My intent is to first prioritize how and where we spend on City services.  Rather than adjusting the same budget from year to year to year, we need to actually start from scratch, determine what is important, and then whether or not we have the revenues to provide all of the services we do (or if there are better ways to provide them).  Then and only then would I consider tax increases.  The cuts and revenue increases necessary to submit a balanced budget for 2010 will negatively impact city residents and businesses.  There is no way around it.  We must close a gap of $2 million between revenues and projected spending levels, out of an approximately $18 million budget.  That is the short term.  The long-term solution is to grow our business revenues by providing incentives for businesses to locate in Des Moines rather than elsewhere.  Only long-term solutions will fix our long-term problems, and our gap between on-going revenues and on-going expenses requires an on-going solution.

SW: Unfortunately (and Des Moines is not alone in this budget crisis) we have had to cut some positions, furlough days and ultimately I think we will be looking at combining services perhaps with other cities.

3. Business activity downtown remains sluggish. What will you do to position the city to encourage increased business activity and development downtown?

DK: To better position ourselves we need to do a number of things.  We need to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to support business and make it thrive — water, electricity, sidewalks, traffic flow, parking, and connectivity with the marina.  We need to streamline our permitting system by investing in the correct technologies that are user-friendly and self-driven.  We need to review our zoning code to determine whether small adjustments in signage, building heights, or other areas may make our downtown more attractive as a place to locate and invest.  And we must partner with other resources (Highline Community College, as an example) to help find ways to promote and support businesses that choose to locate in Des Moines.  Without a local chamber of commerce or effective advocate for our businesses, downtown will not succeed.

SW: I currently chair South King County Economic Development Initiative (SKCEDI) which is a partnership with our neighboring cities working on a Business Attraction Program and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).  We must continue to position ourselves to encourage new business for downtown, Pacific Ridge and keep working on the Des Moines Creek Business Park.

4. Should Des Moines promote itself as a tourist destination? If yes, what should the city do (e.g., encourage development of bed-and-breakfasts, Puget Sound tour boat cruises from the Marina, summer salmon bakes)? If no, why not?

DK: Yes!  Des Moines has a beautiful public presence on Puget Sound.  Our marina, downtown and Des Moines Beach Park and perfectly located to bring people to town.  We should encourage development of small hotels and beds & breakfasts.  We should encourage restaurants, antique shops, bakeries, and artistic shops to locate here.  Summertime boat service from Seattle to Des Moines makes sense, but has to be thought out carefully (the passenger-only ferries were proposed to be used for commuters only and would not be used for tourism purposes — that is one of the reasons I opposed them).  If our residents won’t spend their money in Des Moines, we need to find a way to bring that revenue to Des Moines.  Tourism is one of those ways.

SW: Of course!  We have a Marina, roughly six miles of shoreline and a wonderful city.  I support Water Transportation, specifically passenger only ferries and certainly support the idea of a nice hotel downtown . . . more restaurants, more shops . . . Once the Beach Park is finished we will hopefully contract with a professional management company to bring people into Des Moines via water transportation.

5. Do you support development of Waterview Crossing and Des Moines Creek Business Park? If yes, what will you do to position the city to help these projects move forward? If no, why not?

DK: Yes, I’ve supported Waterview Crossing (I voted for the development agreement in November 2007), and I’m a strong supporter of the Des Moines Creek Business Park. I think we need to take advantage of what limited commercially zoned land we have in Des Moines (downtown, the business park, and Pacific Highway) and encourage businesses to invest in Des Moines.  I’ve supported a number of changes to make redevelopment of Pacific Ridge more likely, including adoption of a Multi-Family Tax Exemption, waiver of some traffic impact fees, and the underlying zoning which provides for taller buildings on a stretch of land badly in need of redevelopment.  The Des Moines Creek Business Park has a great deal of potential, as do some surrounding properties, and we need to make certain that impacts from that development is well-managed.  Part of that is continuing to make progress on our Gateway transportation project for S. 216th Street and 24th Avenue S.  As chair of the Public Safety & Transportation Committee, I’ve worked and will continue to work to keep the project moving forward.

SW: Yes, I support both.  The economy will need to move forward but I believe the City is well positioned now after all the work that has been done on these projects to move forward.

Coming up next, the candidate for Position #5: Melissa Musser.

The Waterland Blog would like to welcome our latest Advertiser, Des Moines City Councilmember Dave Kaplan. Dave is running for his third term on the Des Moines City Council. He’s running in position #7.

Dave’s journey to becoming a Des Moines resident started quite by accident. Seriously – he made a wrong turn on the Kent-Des Moines Road back in 1978 and found himself in Des Moines enjoying our beautiful waterfront and quaint small town. Meanwhile, his Kent cousins were holding dinner for him. Dave told WLB, he knew the minute he drove into Des Moines he wanted to live here.

Dave went on to graduate from the UW in political science, then went on to the ‘other’ Washington to get his MBA at George Washington University. He finally saw his dream fulfilled when he moved to Des Moines in 1989. He dipped his toes into Des Moines, so to speak, when he got involved as a citizen with water quality and flooding issues on Massey Creek.

His first years of service on the council were in 1997-2001, where he helped lead the effort to change the Pacific Ridge neighborhood. After losing in the 2001 scandal-plagued election (where $50,000 in campaign contributions were illegally unreported), Dave regrouped and won again in 2005. He is near the end of 8 years of serving Des Moines.

Dave says on his website:

“I believe that Des Moines is at a crossroads. We can continue on a path toward a sound financial footing, based on thoughtful economic development, or we can backslide into an uncertain future. We have begun to take the steps necessary for a thriving, vibrant community, while maintaining the storied history and the natural beauty that make Des Moines home.”

He elaborated on this statement to WLB. “As I see it there are three major issues facing Des Moines…”

“The first is maintaining the small town feel (of Des Moines), but having a diverse business community to alleviate the tax burden on our citizens. Right now 2/3′s of the city’s budgeted revenues are on the backs of our residents. I would like to see that reduced to at least 50%. We need to become more receptive and thoughtful about attracting business investors, both on Pacific Highway and downtown. We need to upgrade our buildings and business environment to make investors WANT to be here.”

“Secondly, we need to create a ‘sustainable budget’. That is, we need a balanced budget that does not rely on one-time cash infusions to pay the daily bills. I have not voted for the past three operating budgets as they are not sustainable. We need to prioritize the services we need and services we want and budget towards these.”

“Finally, we need to maintain the quality of life and livability that attracts residents to our city. The parks, the marina and the Mt. Rainier Pool are examples. The Mt. Rainier Pool is an important asset to the community, and is particularly important for our seniors and students. And Mt. Rainier High School’s swim team is among the top swim teams in the state.”

Dave told WLB that he “takes a great deal of pride in supporting the creation of the Des Moines Farmers Market. It’s a central meeting place for Des Moines residents.” That’s one of the reasons why he’s personally helping to sponsor it.

Dave also takes great pride in being one of the 20 or so openly gay politicians in the state of Washington, and is an outspoken advocate for equal treatment under the law.

In his spare time, he serves on the boards of the National Council of Self Insurers (where he’ll be president next year), Kids Chance of Washington (which is a non-profit organization granting scholarships to students whose parents have been killed or permanently disabled on the job), and he’s the President of the Misty Woods Condominium Association where he lives.

Dave’s day job is in Olympia where he serves as the Executive Director of the Washington Self-Insurers Association. A former policy analyst with the Washington State Senate, he’s been commuting to Olympia for 22 years! Too bad you can’t earn frequent flyer miles for driving, Dave. Welcome to The Waterland Blog!